Minister of Education and Human Resource Development, Ronald Jones, addressing the??re-opening of the Ann Hill School today. (Image: A. Miller/BGIS)??????

Minister of Education and Human Resource Development Ronald Jones has publicly thrown his support behind the decision not to allow controversial Jamaican artistes Vybz Kartel and Mavado to perform in Barbados.

Speaking at the official opening of the Ann Hill School today, he noted that our children needed positive influences in their lives that could be celebrated and not exposure to negatives cultures.

"I am glad for that decision.?? We will only allow persons to come to Barbados whose work we can celebrate," he stated, adding that on a recent trip to Kingston, Jamaica he was struck by the sign "Gullyside" on the side of a building which clearly signalled the rivalry between the two artistes.

Minister Jones added that similar censorship needed to be placed on calypsonians who wrote "rubbish" and "trash" during the Crop Over season.?? "I have no problem with music, but we need musicians to write good lyrics.?? Society demands an expression of beautiful talent that reinforces our values," he contended.

He also lauded the participants of the recently concluded school sports for a successful event, noting that students broke records and celebrated their achievement without the accompaniment of drums and other musical instruments.

"I am proud of the principals and other officials who, together, decided that there needed to be some rules for the school sports activities.?? The absence of musical instruments did not deter students from breaking records or excelling," he observed.

kmoore@barbados.gov.bb

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