Challenging is how veteran bandleader Betty West described getting her band ICONS of Crop Over ready and on the road for Grand Kadooment 2026.

At the end of the island’s largest street parade on Monday, West – a name synonymous with the festival – took home a raft of awards including the prestigious Best Festival Designer – The Robert Weekes Award, Best Presentation – Heritage, Best Band on the Road – The George Dear Award and Small Band of the Year – Heritage.

“God is at the back of everything because I never prayed so much in my life,” she told Barbados TODAY. I was scared, hardly having any money, revellers hardly coming in. It was a scary situation. I shed a few tears and whatnot, but I’m a very determined person.”