BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Apr. 23.2018 – MINISTER of Culture, Hon. Shawn Richards has apologized to the Carnival prize winners and service providers for the delay in them receiving their monies and prizes.
The apology was made as the Minister spoke at the prize-giving ceremony on Friday (Apr.20) at the Royal St. Kitts Hotel, where he acknowledged that they did miss the timeframe that was initially set to make payments.
“I must also apologise to you because, I would have said to you in previous conversations, it was my intention to have the prize-giving ceremony at least by the end of March. Unfortunately, because of certain developments, it didn’t materialize but the very next opportunity that came before me to have the prize-giving ceremony I assured that it was held.”
The National Carnival Committee (NCC) and the government came in for heavy criticisms from participants and service providers for no direct communication and the late payment.
However, this year, the Government and the NCC undertook to have the prize-giving be done differently. According to Chairman of the NCC, Noah Mills, unlike the last two years where the event was held in Bank Street and opened to the public, they decided to use the monies for the infrastructure and overlays to hold an appreciation event for the participants and sponsors as an invitation only ceremony.
All winners from Parade Day, J’ouvert, queen shows, cultural and musical events all received their spoils; which it was disclosed totaled EC$ 500, 000.
Meanwhile, service providers will receive their payments beginning on Wednesday (Apr. 25).
That is according to Minister Richards, who assured that the cheques will be ready and persons with outstanding amounts will be able collect.
The Minister congratulated all the winners not only for being successful in their events, but for participating hence allowing Sugar Mas 46 to the feat that it was.
Richard noted that Carnival cannot be the success it has been over the years without the full participation of all in the Federation.
To this end, he said going forward he hopes that this is not the end for many of the participants, imploring that many will return and volunteer with the Committee as they seek to become affiliated.
Chairman Mills disclosed that they have already begun planning for the 2018/2019 event with some of the participants and contestants being launched earlier than in previous years.
