BARBADIANS need to be careful about the cultural tastes they develop.

"People need to decide if they want good cooked food or fast food. We've got to be careful developing a taste for fast food. Some of the party musi

BARBADIANS need to be careful about the cultural tastes they develop.

"People need to decide if they want good cooked food or fast food. We've got to be careful developing a taste for fast food. Some of the party music is like fast food, quick entertainment and sell a CD or two," said Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, Reverend Joseph Atherley, in a telephone interview Saturday.

Cultural Affairs and the Ministry of Culture fall under the Prime Minister's Office.

Atherley said he was concerned about this trend that was weaving its way into calypsos in recent years.

And about this year's offerings, he said: "I think there are good, not so good, and bad calypsos just like other years, and people need to choose which one they prefer to have."

Over the past week debate has been raging about the quality of calypso offered this year with some people dismissing many of the songs as "smut", "foolishness" and "rubbish".

(DS)