BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – GREEN VALLEY FESTIVAL, one of the long standing successful community festivals was officially launched last evening (May 18) where it was announced by the new Chairman, Douglas Wattley, that this year’s festival will be held in honour of past Chairman Vernon Benjamin, who passed away last October.
Following a march through the streets of Cayon, which included some of the students of the Cayon Primary, Cayon High School Pom-Pom girls and footballers from the Cayon community, the Opening Ceremony was held and the official roster of events was revealed.
The lineup at the Opening Ceremony included various performances among which were - a soulful performance by Nicola Thompson, a poem by Keva Morton, remarks by the new Chairman of Green Valley Festival Committee, Douglas Wattley and also remarks by Creighton Pencheon, the first Chairman of the Festival.
Former Chairman, the late Vernon Benjamin, will also be honoured with a memorial scholarship bearing his name, at the Cayon Primary School. Another memorial scholarship at the Violet Petty School will honour Singing Angie, the reigning Green Valley Calypso Monarch who passed away a few weeks ago.
There was a minute of silence for Benjamin; Singing Angie; Alfred Doyling ‘King of the 29 Fellas’ who was a resident of Green Valley; Tasif Nisbett, Green Valley Community DJ; and Samuel Brandy, a teacher and sports icon.
This year’s contestants for the Miss Green Valley Pageant were also introduced by the Chairperson of that Committee, Linda Demming, while recognition of Benjamin was done in three parts- a song by the evening’s host Larry Vaughan, a plaque presentation to his family for his contribution towards the Festival and a dance in his honour.
During his remarks, the new Chairman said he had a great team of committee members who are energetic, smart and dedicated to making Green Valley Festival great again.
He introduced his team and thanked them for their contribution and said that Shirley Adams who is in charge of the Banquet and Ceremony sub-committee is the only person who has served on the Green Valley committee for 16 years.
He mentioned sponsors such as LIME, and said they were the largest cash contributor to the Green Valley Festival, and said that Kajola Kristada and Jaro Electronics are also significant contributors to the Festival.
During his speech, Pencheon gave nostalgic memories in recounting the history of the Community.
He spoke from his heart in encouraging the restoration of the Heart and Hand Lodge in the Green Valley of Cayon.
He also recommended that the Cayon Primary and Cayon High Schools should be renamed after stalwarts of the community.
The Festival lineup was announced by Eugene Hamilton, parliamentary representative for Constituency #8
The Festival will continue today (May 19) with Tay’s Children Time at Sandbox (Maynard’s Park) and Calypso eliminations at the Green Valley Pub.
On Sunday, May 20, there will be a Beach Bash at Key’s Beach, and Gospel Explosion at the Sandbox.
The Green Valley Five-a-Side Football finals will take place at St. Mary’s Park on May 21, while the green Valley Cultural Explosion will be held at Sandbox on May 22.
A karaoke competition will be held on May 23 and the Community Cohesion Experience will be held May 24. Both events will be held at Sandbox.
On May 25 will be the Green Valley Pageant featuring five contestants and May 26 is the date of the Junior and Senior Calypso finals. Both events will take place at Sandbox.
The Elders’ Gala and Night of the Stars take place at the Moravian Church and at Sandbox respectively on May 27 while the Festival will climax with the J’Ouvert and Grand Parade of Troupes on May 28.
The Green Valley Festival is being held under the theme: ‘Fostering Community Development through Cultural Involvement’.
