BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, 15 February 2014 -- Saint Kitts and Nevis is an independent twin island Federation in the Eastern Caribbean with a population of over 53,000 warm, friendly people who live out the motto of “Country Above Self”. The culture of the islands is influenced by different groups of persons including the Europeans and Africans.
The National Flag was designed by Edris Lewis and is a symbol of our heritage. The green in the top left corner represents our fertile land. The two yellow diagonal slashes represent our year-round sunshine. Black represents our national heritage. The white stars in the middle represent hope and liberty and the red in the bottom right corner represents our struggle from slavery through to independence.
The national dish of St. Kitts and Nevis comprises of Stewed Saltfish, Spicy Plantains, Seasoned Breadfruit and Coconut Dumplings.
St. Kitts and Nevis' Official National Wear reflects the true "Caribbeaness" of its people. A combination of African and European influences which have shaped the history of St. Kitts and Nevis is evident in both the male and female outfits.
Men's Wear
A straw hat trimmed with madras offered protection from the hot sun. The short sleeved, V-neck jack shirt trimmed with madras is made from off-white cotton. The design is similar to traditional shirts worn by Africans. The beige cotton, ankle length pant is a reflection of the local fabrics that were commonly used during the colonial period.
Women's Wear
It is customary for African women to wrap their heads for protection from the elements. The main dress is off-white cotton, with a corset top and an ankle length, wide flare petticoat bottom. The beige cotton sleeves are short and puffed by using the drawstring. A short lap skirt made from crocus is worn over the main dress to protect it from dirt. The madras "Cane Soda Wrap", which was used to carry soda while fertilizing sugar cane, is draped around the waist. The crocus drawstring bag was a safe way for women to secure their money.
Folklore aka “Christmas Sports” is a major part of defining our culture and displays of the different kinds are usually seen around our Christmas and Carnival season. The Masquerades is one of these folklore groups and is a result of a combination of many different groups that inhabited our islands in the past. It is felt though, that the dancing of the masquerades originates from Amerindian dancers. Their costumes consist of tall peacock feathered headdresses, masks, brightly patterned trousers and long-sleeved shirts. Draped over the trousers are skirt-aprons that are completely fringed and the entire costume is decorated with bangles, mirrors and ribbons.
The Bull is another one of these folklore groups. It originated from an incident which occurred on Belmont Estate around 1917, surrounding an estate manager and his prize bull. The story goes that the bull fell ill, and it is the scene of its revival that is acted out in graphic detail causing humour and havoc as the bull runs wild among spectators.
The Clown troupe is said to be an imitation of the European court jester with a Kittitian twist. The costume is a beautiful, loose flowing suit, of two colours, decorated with many tiny bells. The suit bellows as the several dancers execute a series of intricate movements. The dancers wear a pink wire mesh mask depicting Europeans and they carry and crack a leather whip called a Hunter.
In my beautiful Federation, with tourism being the main industry, there is something here for EVERYONE. If you like adventure and thrills, try our Sky Safari zip-line tours through the rainforest or go snorkeling with tropical fish. If you are a person who prefers exploring the history of places then check out Romney Manor, Independence Square, Brimstone Hill Fortress or the Cotton Ginnery.
Maybe you are a night-life person and you would much prefer to go to The Strip and have your choice among our beach bars such as Mr X’s Shiggidy Shack, Reggae Beach Bar & Grill or the Monkey Bar. Perhaps, you love having some downtime to yourself and need to relax and rejuvenate, The Mango Orchard Spa, The Emerald Mist Spa, or Body Haven would be more than happy to accommodate you. There are just so many things to do that cannot even be mentioned in this short presentation. I invite you to come, visit and explore what our little islands have to offer.
As part of a Caribbean nation that prides itself of being friendly and helpful, the Rotary Club of Liamigua and the Rotary Club of St. Kitts are groups that possess characteristics that tie in well with our country’s motto, as Rotarians live by the motto of “Service Above Self”.
The Rotary Club of Liamuiga (RCL) received its charter on 10 February 2003. Like every Rotary Club in the world, the RCL participates in a broad range of humanitarian, inter-cultural, and educational activities designed to improve the human condition. Each year the Club holds its annual Saddler’s Home for the Elderly Heroes Day Luncheon. It is also seeing the continuation of the Computer Aided Literacy Solutions (CALS) Programme with the support of LIME and Seven Seas.
The RCL holds an annual Spelling Bee Competition for Primary Schools as well as a Talent Search Competition for both primary schools and high schools. The Club continues to support education of children in the Federation as it sponsors an Easter-Read- A-Thon hosted by the Charles A. Halbert Public Library and the Brimstone Hill Society Primary Schools Quiz Contest. In November 2012, the Club held its Inaugural Dance Xplosion Competition for Young Adults. The Club also continues its Rotary 4 Way Test Signs Installation Project in schools around the island of St. Kitts. It continues as well, to find new ways to support the mission of the Rotary Foundation and to support polio eradication which is a key concern for Rotary.
The Rotary Club of St Kitts (RCSK) was chartered on 11 July 1969 with twenty (20) charter members.
Annual Projects of the RCSK) include:
1. Care Packages Projects for the needy (Christmas, Easter, Independence)
2. Cardin Home Christmas Luncheon (home for the elderly)
3. Foster Care Christmas Party
4. Children’s Home Fun-Day Outing
5. Dictionary Project for Primary Schools
The RCSK has also donated medical equipment to the Joseph N France Hospital, a fridge to The Children’s Home and handed over AVON shoes to Cardin Home Residents.
The Rotaract Club of St. Kitts was the vision of Rotarian Charles Wilkin (President 1986/87) and William Dore and was chartered on 1 July 1 1986. Over the years, many members have passed through Rotaract Club and would be quick to point out that “the best they got from Rotaract is what they had to give.” These individuals gave freely of their time, efforts and talents to improve our community, socially and physically, and they derived satisfaction solely by being able to serve.
The Club has also taken on many Community and Humanitarian projects since its inception.
These include the following:
• Placement of dustbins around Basseterre.
• Placement and maintenance of historical signs along the island main road.
• Donation of medical equipment to clinics and the JN France General Hospital
• Planting of trees in Independence Square.
• Establishing and hosting Annual Carnival Prince and Princess Show.
• Organizing and hosting the Heritage Treasure Hunt.
• Sponsorship of books and exam scholarships in the high schools
• Production of an Environmental Booklet.
• Donation of household appliance to Harris Home for Boys.
• Annual Christmas Party and gift exchange for the Children’s Home
• Monetary donations for the Ian Richards Fund and for a kidney transplant for a child.
Continuously, the Rotaract and Rotary Clubs in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis play a leading role in educating others of the need for unselfish service and setting a positive example for others to follow in this regard.
Prepared & Presented By
Kaylor Bass
4th Form, Basseterre High School
Basseterre, St. Kitts
NB: Missy Kaylor Bass, 4th Form Student at Basseterre High School, Basseterre, St Kitts and daughter of Mrs Marion Bass-Borroughs and Patrick Borroughs, is St Kitts & Nevis' participant attending Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) Conference 2014 in Rotary District 7000 (Puerto Rico). Kaylor is jointly sponsored by Rotary Club of Liamuiga, Rotary Club of St Kitts and Rotary District 7000.
The above presentation will be made by Missy Bass to fellow RYLA participants from all over Puerto Rico and international RYLA participants as well as to Rotary Clubs during her stay in Puerto Rico from 14-18 February 2014.
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
