COMMENDATIONS
have been pouring in for the staging of 2006 Barbados Music Awards, co-ordinated
by Timeless Barbados Entertainment Agency.
RPB seen here at the press conference with Natahlee
Seven-time calypso monarch Red Plastic Bag (RPB), who received a Cornerstone
Award for his contribution to the development of the Barbados music industry,
told the NATION the awards ceremony was a good thing to happen for the
industry.
"I thought it was an excellent effort. It is always good when people
are given some measure of reward or recognition for the work they have
done.
I think it gives young people coming into the industry some incentive
so they see that their work will be respected and appreciated," RPB
said, adding he hoped the event would have longevity.
Former chief executive officer of the National Cultural Foundation (NCF),
Antonio Rudder, also thought the awards ceremony was significant.
"I thought it was well intentioned and I believe that it is important
to reward people, to demonstrate tangibly that what people have done is
appreciated, particularly in a nation that engages in a significant amount
of self-hate, and spends a high percentage of its time engaging in bestowing
derogatory remarks and criticisms. From that perspective it was timely,"
Rudder said.
Echoing RPB and Rudder on the importance of the event
was soca queen Alison Hinds, and her gospel peer Paula Hinds.
They both received Cornerstone Awards,
and the soca singer won the Award for Best R&B Single with Roll.
"I think it is a wonderful idea. We have had awards before,
but they fell away, and I hope that this doesn't happen," said
Alison, who was nominated for the Female Artiste Of The Year.
Alison Hinds, seen here with Rupee
"Having the endorsement of the Prime Minister
of Barbados is great. It means he thinks it is really worthwhile
and we as entertainers really appreciate it because our job is not
seen as being serious, as not a 'real job'. The awards are a great
way to start the year, and give every one a boost to keep us going
for the rest of the year," the soca queen said.
Barbados' star Rihanna
as she receives her award from the Rt. Hon. Owen Arthur
Gospel artiste Hinds endorsed all that her secular
counterpart expressed.
"It is good to have that medium where we can be with our peers,
where we can be faithful stewards of God's gifts," she said,
adding that it was also good to see the media participating because
it had played a crucial role in helping to shape and hone the local
talent.
Gospel diva Paula Hinds
"Now
the whole world is seeing what this little rock has done. I told someone
we are the gem of the Caribbean and now the gems are shining," she
said. She hoped that veterans in the industry would share the benefit
of their experience with the youthful organiser, Timeless Barbados Entertainment's
Ronnie Morris.
COMMENDATIONS
have been pouring in for the staging of 2006 Barbados Music Awards, co-ordinated
by Timeless Barbados Entertainment Agency. 
"Now
the whole world is seeing what this little rock has done. I told someone
we are the gem of the Caribbean and now the gems are shining," she
said. She hoped that veterans in the industry would share the benefit
of their experience with the youthful organiser, Timeless Barbados Entertainment's
Ronnie Morris. 
