‘Sooty’ Byron: Culturama 35 will be grand, despite economic challenges

CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – DESPITE the current economic challenges, Culturama 35 will be a grand affair. 

This pronouncement was made by Chairman of the Nevis Culturama Committee Halstead ‘Sooty’ Byron during a press conference last Friday (July 3) at the Red Cross Building, Chapel Street, Charlestown that signaled the launching of this year’s Culturama.
Byron told reporters and sponsors’ representatives that there has been a lot talked about the challenges in the economy, but the Committee would not allow that to distract them. 

He said that this year, patrons would be treated to an action-packed 12-day programme that would even be bigger than Culturama 34. 

“Compared to last year, you will find more events since some fringe activities have been included.”

Among these additional activities are the Ginger Expo at the Heritage Village in Gingerland on July 12, and the HOPE Nevis Kids’ Carnival on July 25 at the Villa Grounds.

According to Byron, the Committee is well-placed to put on a magnificent event and would be working to ensure all the shows run on time. 

Minister of Culture Hon. Hensley Daniel also addressed the issue of late starts which was raised by one member of the press.
Minister Daniel said a good show could be spoilt by running too late. He said vendors and, by extension, the economy also suffer due to shows going late, since revellers would prefer to head straight home instead of patronising sellers. 

The Minister also said that the government owes it to the public to provide clean fun, and one of the steps taken to ensure this was to communicate to the organisers that they keep out lewd lyrics and lyrics that are not in keeping with Nevis’ culture. 

He promised that despite the economic downturn, Culturama would ensure there is an upturn in entertainment.  

Friday’s event, chaired by Manager of the Festival Secretariat Antonio Liburd, was also attended by reigning Miss Culture Taniesha Hendrickson; defending Kaiso Monarch, King Inspirer; Head of the Nevis Police Division Superintendent Samuel Seabrookes; representatives of LIME, Bank of Nevis, the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis, Carib Breweries of St. Kitts/Nevis, Coastal Air Transport, First Caribbean International Bank, Nevis Cooperative Credit Union, LEFOC Equipment and Rental, Nevis Air and Sea Ports Authority, and Four Seasons’ Resort Estates. 

Superintendent Seabrookes said his officers would be monitoring the events and keeping an eye on known characters. He said persons causing trouble would be locked up until Culturama ends, in an effort to ensure the festival is safe.

Platinum sponsors LIME was represented by Marketing Executive Claudette Walwyn, who said that the company was happy to see Culturama go on despite the economic downturn.

LIME, a major partner with Culturama for many years, contributed $67 500 towards this year’s event. Walwyn presented the cheque to Minister Daniel who also collected the donations of the other sponsors. 

Walwyn also took the opportunity to present Principal of the Charlestown Primary School, Alice Swanston with a computer, which was the prize for her school winning the 2008 Talented Youth Pageant.

The actual Culturama events begin on July 24 with the opening of the Cultural Village and the Miss Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant. It is scheduled to culminate on August 4 with the Cultural Street Parade and Last Lap. 

Other activities for Culturama 35 are the Senior and Junior Kaiso Competitions, Mr. and Miss Talented Youth Pageant, Rhythmz Dance Theatre Production 2009, Clash of D’Bands, Drag Racing, Horse Racing, Fruit Festival, Food Fair, Ms. Culture Queen Pageant, and a Freedom Concert featuring Luciano.