Three awarded for sterling contributions
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE National Carnival Committee on Saturday (Jan. 11) held its Prize Giving and Award Ceremony for all winners of the various competitions held during Sugar Mas’ 42, including the eight calypsonians who had made it to the Finals of the Senior Calypso Monarch Competition and also a few individuals who, over the years, had made sterling contributions to the annual event.
The event was held behind the Old Treasury Building and, disappointingly, only one calypsonian turned up for his prize; a very strange stance, taking into consideration that they are the competitors who have been very vocal in the past when monetary prizes were received months after the Carnival season ended.
In addition to cash prizes, winners also received gifts that include cellular phones.
Three individuals were awarded for their contributions over the years to certain areas of the National Carnival.
For his sterling contribution to steel pan music in the Federation, across the region and the Americas, St. Kitts’ very own Melville ‘Mellie’ Hewlet was honoured for his inspiration to the art form which he has been practicing since 1967.
Mas Maker Cynthia Hull, also known as Mother Hull, was also acknowledged for her contributions to Street Activities, as she was remembered for her most memorable designs in costume making such as ‘Fantasy World’.
And with over four decades in the Calypso arena, the ‘Om Galo Galo’ singer, Devon ‘Lord Kut’ Liburd was also honoured for his contributions to the art form.
Lord Kut was the only calypsonian from among the eight finalists who went forward to collect his prize when the names were called.
Unconfirmed reports stated that the reigning Calypso Monarch, Hansill ‘Richie’ Buntin, was abroad at the time, while Jacqueline ‘Singing Jackie’ Leader had returned to her overseas home.
