BARBADOS-Government to honor late entertainer

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – The Barbados government has paid tribute to the veteran entertainer, Richard “Dick” Stoute, assuring nationals that something would be done “very shortly in a manner most befitting of this distinguished son.”

Stoute died at his home at the age of 77.
In a statement, Prime Minister Mia Mottley said Stoute’s “unmatched contribution to the entertainment life of Barbados, particularly since Independence, requires that his name, his legacy, and his never-daunted approach, ought to be immortalized in a place where every Barbadian will forever see displayed the qualities inherent in the label “Bajan.”

She said her administration had agreed to name the theater at the National Botanical Gardens in his honor.

“And if I may borrow from one of his most popular songs, the Best Part of My Day Today, it knows that we are announcing this while he is alive and able to savor the recognition. Indeed, yesterday, when I visited him and asked him permission to confer this lasting memorial to his extraordinary contribution to Bajan’s young people, he was truly touched and readily agreed.”

She described Stoute as “the product of a family of singers” with a career that dates back to the 1960s but is perhaps best known for his Richard Stoute Teen Talent Competition, a staple of local entertainment for 47 years and an incubator for more Barbadian talent.

“Without doubt, the nation has been the greatest beneficiary, for as a result of his forethought, perseverance, and faith in Bajan talent, we have shared with the world the likes of John King, Allison Hinds, Edwin Yearwood, Terencia Coward, Adrian Clarke, Tamara Marshall and scores more. We cannot speak of the vibrance of entertainment in Barbados today without recognizing the path Richard paved.”

While Stoute has been the consummate promoter of the local “Spouge” beat, his foray into entertainment began in 1961 when he entered the local calypso competition and placed third.

He was a founding member of the Opels and sang with the Blue Rhythm Combo, among others, she said, naming several awards he received during his career.

“Awards and honors aside, Richard Stoute’s unapologetic perfectionism and immaculate style and manner are traits we can all emulate, whether on or off stage. Indeed, his philosophy of “the right way is the only way” can be applied to every area of endeavor and whatever we do in our daily lives.

“The Government of Barbados has conferred on Richard the Barbados Service Star in 1993 and the Gold Crown of Merit in 2008. On this occasion, we go one step further and will affix his name to a facility we are certain will become the premier place for the display of local talent in the years ahead,” she said, adding, “Barbadians can be assured that we will do so very shortly in a manner most befitting of this distinguished son.”