BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Jan. 02.18 – MINISTER of Culture, Hon. Shawn Richards was impressed with this year’s Carnival Parade Day activities, though it got off to a late start.
Richards, who was on the road this year fetting with the Fhunn Vybz troupe, expressed satisfaction with the way the organizing of the event went for 2017/2018.
“As far as I am concerned, the parade got off to a late start, other than that, the parade has been good. I have been enjoying it…”
For the 2017/2018 event, the National Carnival Committee sent revelers into the Warner Park Cricket Stadium for final judging, instead of the bay front.
And Minister Richards, who spoke with reporters at the venue, was impressed with the layout of that judging point.
He implored the Committee to, going forward, make the necessary adjustment that Warner Park can be used for final judging point.
“I think it has been a good experience. As I said from the start, I am enjoying Carnival. Carnival is about all of us, and you can only really enjoy Carnival if you get in the mix and participate.”
This year saw seven troupes turning downtown Basseterre into a kaleidoscope of colours, as they paraded through the streets.
They started at the Patsy Allers playfield before heading down Cayon Street onto West Square Street, then onto the Bay Road before turning right onto College Street Ghaut.
Revelers and bands then turned right onto Liverpool Row, then onto Fort Street, Victoria Road then into Warner Park.
Carnival Chairman, Noah Mills, commended Ashley Allers and Fhunn Vybes for introducing ropes and mobile security/marshals to secure their revelers.
“For the Glow Parade, the Carnival Committee had plastic ropes and it is nice to know that Ashley is forward-thinking.
“I also say thank you to Ultra, as they were the first to introduce wireless technology during the parade. They had several mobile entertainment units with one DJ on one of them. And it is being transmitted and conducted wirelessly.”
Minister Richards in his assessment of the entire season said: “The entire Carnival in my view has gone quite well, but there are some learning experiences and those experiences would be analyzed and the necessary changes would be made.”
The National Carnival Committee is currently in the process of finalizing the results for Parade Day.
