BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE Minister of Tourism, Hon. Lindsay Grant, has reported that the 2017 Music Festival, which wrapped up over the weekend, was a resounding success.
The Minister made the announcement during his presentation at today’s (Jun. 28) sitting of the National Assembly.
Grant’s announcement comes several days after Head of the Artistes Selection Committee, Ambassador Jonel Powell made a similar statement during a press conference.
“It has been a tremendous success; it is not just about the crowds. This year we stepped out of the box a bit in terms of the types of artistes that we brought in. The Goo Goo Dolls – it was a bit of a wild card and it paid off last night,” Powell had said.
Grant, whose Ministry has responsibility for the Festival, disclosed that 14 local acts had performed during the three-night extravaganza, which represented 46.8% of the total number of entertainers that graced the stage.
He declared that the Government had invested “upwards of EC$90,000 to nurture local talent and artiste in the Federation”.
The Minister also indicated that the world renowned Third World Band facilitated this year’s Music Development Workshop, which formed part of the annual fringe activities.
Additionally, the band held a session with over 150 primary and secondary school students in drumming exercises before participating in a meet and greet and autograph signing, Grant noted.
“Artistes like Phyllisia Ross and Briannagh D visited schools to speak on the various topics as part of a Music Festival outreach programme. We had talent booking agency VIP Connected, who donated school supplies to the Dieppe Bay Primary School during a visit for the 21st St. Kitts Music Festival.”
Further, the Minister stated that Front Stage in Independence Square had boosted the musical experience by allowing an extra 12 artistes to showcase their prowess.
“The St. Kitts Music Festival expended somewhere in the region of $15,000 on the procurement of folkloric and musical talent over thethree3-day period, June 22-24. In 2017 a total of 30 food and beverage catering vendors were given the opportunity to ply their trade at the Festival.
“We had in the region of five security firms complimenting the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force in providing security and safety services at the venue,” Grant explained.
He thanked the volunteers whom he noted made the event what is has turned out to be over the 21 years of its existence.
The official accounts pertaining to the events would be laid before the National Assembly in due time, the Minister noted.
