CARNIVAL LAUNCH ATTRACTS HUGE, ENTHUSIASTIC CROWD
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| Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas (right) with Calypso Rose backstage |
Basseterre, St. Kitts (October 07, 2007): Saturday’s launch of the 2007-2008 National Carnival attracted a huge and appreciative crowd as folklore groups, local calypso performers and Calypso Rose of Trinidad and Tobago rocked fans at Independence Square.
Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas and Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Sam Condor were among hundreds of persons who flocked to the historic site in Basseterre to celebrate the island’s unique culture and sample the entertainment in store for the December 14 to January 02 festival.
“The launch on Saturday was absolutely beautiful,” National Carnival Chairman Gus Williams told SKNIS. “The people came out in their numbers. Moms, dads, children and the artistes who will be performing in December. Everybody’s appetite was [satisfied] and they are eagerly anticipating carnival.”
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| (seated left to right) Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, National Carnival Chairman Gus Williams, (standing) Permanent Secretary for Culture Lloyd Lazar, local calypso icon Elston Nero aka Ellie Matt |
The audience seemingly agreed. Junior Calypso King, Oval “Mighty Jr,” Lake, the Okolo Tegremantine Dance Theater and Culturama King Keith “Dis n Dat” Scarborough were enthusiastically received.
The largest ovation of the night went up for McCartha “Calypso Rose” Lewis. The 67-year-old soca diva entertained the huge crowd with her stylistic dances while performing popular hits including Gimme Me More Tempo and Fire in Me Wire.
Williams explained that this was the first of several activities leading up to the official opening on December 14.
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| A section of the huge crowd in attendance |
“We’re trying to [create] a build up for carnival right up to December, so every weekend we’re trying to host an activity,” he explained.
The events will be spread around the urban and rural areas in St. Kitts and in Nevis.
The national carnival chairman told SKNIS that his committee is tapping into the reputation of the main cultural festival to complement international marketing efforts aimed at increasing visitor participation.
“Our strategy is to improve the quality of entertainment, to improve the quality of the [Carnival] troupes, Mr. Williams stated. “Our carnival is reputed to be one of the best public attractions … and that is what attracts people here. They feel that they can enjoy themselves at a safe, happy and eventful occasion [that being the] St. Kitts-Nevis National Carnival.”
“It’s Gonna Be Great. National Carnival 2007-2008” is the slogan for this year’s event.
