BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Latin Festival brand, which would be hosting its 7th annual celebration in only five month’s time, is asking its sponsors and contributors to dig deeper into their pockets this year as it endeavours to improve on its already spectacular product.
During a luncheon that was hosted for its sponsors yesterday (May 10) at the Ocean Terrace Inn, a number of the committee members spoke of progressing plans for this year’s hosting and the event.
Executive Director Sharon Stevens invited the gathering to make suggestions of artistes who they would like to see on the Latin Festival. And the responses ranged from Pitt Bull to J-Lo to Mark Anthony to Enrique Iglesias.
“We would like our past sponsors to keep us in your budget this year with an increased value for this year’s event. The truth is artistes of that caliber cost quite a bit of money, so what we are hoping for is an increase in your partnership this year.”
She said the Latin Festival Committee is happy with its partnership with the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, but indicated that the “sponsorship launch is basically a huge shove for the Minister of Tourism to invest a little bit more in us in regards to getting people to our shores…”
Minister of Tourism the Hon. Lindsay Grant also addressed the gathering hailing the festival as one which adds value to the offerings that St. Kitts provides and also that it exposes the people of the Federation to the rich culture of the Latin community.
He said the Ministry of Tourism is delighted to provide technical and financial support to the Latin Festival and encouraged others to do likewise.
In giving a brief history of the Festival, Chairman Jose Rosa said it began as a one-day fiesta but after two years it evolved into a week-long festival to include workshops, a theatre play, the viewing of movies and art exhibitions. He also said Kajola Kristada is the main sponsor of the festival but could not support all the activities on its own and that it needs help from the public and private sectors.
Damion Hobson of Hobson Enterprises and UPS, which are sponsors of the Festival, said it is fast becoming one of the most anticipated festivals within the Federation. He recalled that his company’s sponsorship of the event began after its first year and has become a sponsorship priority. He named it “an entertainment force to be reckoned with”.
Aiduleik Rodriguez – a member of the Latin Festival Committee – reminded that last year’s festival was Mexico-inspired and indicated that this year attempts are being made to make connections with Cuba.
Plans are also being made to expand the movie presentations which have become a popular and anticipated part of the Festival.
Rodriguez advised that persons should regularly check the Latin Festival’s Facebook page over the next couple of weeks for updates on the week of activities.
Latin Festival 2016 would be held from October 17 – 23, 2016.
