The National Cultural Foundation is to sponsor a three month tour by local artistes to give them overseas exposure and introduce or reintroduce them to international promoters and audiences.

This has been announced by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley as she officially declared open Crop Over 2023 during the Delivery of the Last Canes Ceremony at Hayman’s, St. Peter.

Miss Mottley noted that the full return of Crop Over this year provides an opportunity to fully unleash Barbadian creativity.

In her words, “normal service has resumed.

And, she announced that the NCF is to meet with performing artistes to discuss underwriting a tour by a significant number of performers to give them exposure to overseas markets.

Miss Mottley said that in the same way that government has helped other sectors, it will ensure the Barbadian performers have 3 months of touring post Crop Over.

In declaring Crop Over open the Prime Minister urged the public to have a safe and happy festival and to show the world why this is the best summer festival.