BASSETERRE, (7th September, 2009): The Ministry of Tourism, Sports & Culture has announced the appointment of Mr. Clement O'Garro as the newest member of the National Carnival Committee.
 
 "Monarch", as he is affectionately known, is a former four times Junior Calypso King, and a regular finalist in the Senior Calypso Monarch Competition. He is an avid local and international mas player, and has served as an adjudicator for J'Ouvert, Road March and the Grand Parade competitions. Mr. O'Garro has recently returned home after a long period of overseas residence.
 
During his residence abroad, "Monarch" returned to the Federation frequently to participate in National Carnival and gave regular broadcast commentaries on Carnival via the radio stations and the Internet. He is also a former member of the Houston-Caribbean Festival Committee.
 
In commenting on the new appointment, Minister responsible for National Carnival, Senator Richard Skerritt, said "Clement O'Garro brings a broad international perspective and extensive hands-on experience to the carnival planning process". Skerritt said he was confident that Mr. O'Garro will further add to the quality of the Carnival Committee itself. "This Government is committed to the continued development of National Carnival and has appointed credible volunteers over the years with a clear mandate to bring about and sustain improvements in the planning and coordination of National Carnival", the Minister said.
 
Effective September 1st, 2009, Clement "Monarch" O'Garro is one of the nine (9) volunteers from the local private sector, who were appointed by Cabinet to serve on the National Carnival Committee for a one year period as follows:
 
Mr. Gus Williams, Chairman (Business owner)
Ms. Cynthia Hull, Deputy Chair (Entrepreneur and Banking professional)
Mr. Donald Thompson, (Accounting & Banking professional)
Mr. Samuel Franks, (Business consultant)
Ms. Wanda Connor, (Marketing professional)
Ms. Shannon Hawley, (Management professional)
Mr. Lester Ible, (Communications manager)
Mr. Ivor Blake (Security professional)
Mr. Clement O'Garro (Sales/Marketing professional)
 
In his capacity as Director of the Department of Culture's Festivals Secretariat, Allister Williams continues to serve as an ex-officio member and Secretary of the National Carnival Committee.