NCBA chairman admits hitting Lord Relator

NATIONAL Carnival Bandleaders Association (NCBA) Chairman Richard Afong yesterday described the incident involving himself and veteran Calypsonian Willard “Lord Relator” Harris as “regrettable and one I do not feel very happy about.” However, Afong said he got angry with being called Richard “Afool,” saying he was nobody’s “Pappy-show.” Afong denied using racist remarks before hitting Harris over a name-calling incident at the launch of “Savannah Friday” — a series of cultural evenings at the National Carnival Commission’s Club House Grounds, Queen’s Park Savannah on Saturday night. Afong also indicated that he intended to get in contact with Lord Relator and apologise to him for the event that unfolded that night. Describing the altercation between himself and Lord Relator, Afong said while introducing guests at the function, Lord Relator introduced him as Richard “Afool” Chairman of the NCBA, instead of  “Afong.”

He said he took offence to this introduction, since Lord Relator had not done that with anybody else or with any other names. Afong said he brought this “slip up” to the attention of the promoter, who in turn relayed the information to Lord Relator. Lord Relator then told the patrons that he had been informed that the name was Richard Afong and not Richard “Afool” after which he said, “I hope I get it right this time.” Afong said this was like adding insult to injury and he became even more perturbed by the incident. “I am sorry things ended up the way they did,” said Afong. “I am not happy with what happened Saturday night, but I snapped.” “I am a human being subjected to human emotions and that is just what happened. This does not make the incident right and I am very sorry,” Afong stated. Efforts to reach Harris for comment proved futile.