Basseterre, St. Kitts (October 05, 2006): St. Kitts and Nevis' participation in CARIFESTA IX drew rave reviews and provided additional insight to local organizers on the do's and don'ts of staging community and national festivals.
A 17-member delegation represented the Federation at the premiere Caribbean festival which celebrates culture and arts. This year's event was held in Trinidad and Tobago from September 22 to October 10, 2006.
Head of the delegation Lorna "Ava' Henry told SKNIS that the "CARIFESTA (experience), for St. Kitts and Nevis was excellent." 'We had a good team.
We were well represented and well received,' she noted, adding that poet Loughlin Tatem performed three times, while the Royalties Band appeared four times on stage.
'During the second performance at the grand market, they (Royalties Band) were joined by our Calypso King Konris Maynard and that presentation will stay with me for a long time."
~~Adz:Right~~In reference to the "behind the scenes" objectives Ms. Henry said this also was achieved. "We were able to pick up some ideas with regards to décor and how to put a community festival together but I must say we are not far behind," she explained. "We have had some programmes that surpass what I saw (in Trinidad)."
Ms. Henry had high praise for the Royalties Band which is comprised of young, talented individuals. She explained that this experience will serve them well in the future.
"St. Kitts was well represented by these young musicians and I am sure that this experience will allow them to be more professional and this can only redound to the benefit of the people in St. Kitts and Nevis, particularly young musicians, Henry concluded.
~~Adz:Left~~CARIFESTA IX was held under the theme "Celebrating Our People, Contesting the World Stage."Persons can access photographs and other features from the event online at www.carifesta.net.