BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - WITH Carnival activities - described as a success - now over, Minister of Culture Samal Duggins commended the organizers for the inclusion of small businesses into the mix.
The 2022 full return of Carnival saw a number of activities that significantly promoted and benefited small businesses, such as those that enabled the return of vendors to the streets and the staging of the Midnight Escape.
The first-time Minister expressed a sense of profound happiness with the way the staging and turnout at events for this year, taking into account the fact that planning only started in September when the new Government took Office.
“I am happy to be part of it,” he told SKNVibes Entertainment as he witnessed the vibe and energy of Last Lap on Cayon Street.
Citizens and visitors alike were happy to be part of the festivities, which signalled the formal return of street activities.
On J’Ouvert, Parade Day and Last Lap, large crowds, or as described by Carnival Chairperson, Shannon Hawley, thousands witnessed and participated in the activities.
That is in contrast to 2021 activities that were held under a vaccine mandate, and in a bubble space.
“..by any standard, this has been a wonderful Carnival, a great Carnival and I am happy to be part of it,” Duggins said.
Like the rest of the world, the Federation encountered a number of challenges in staging the month-long Festival, but the Minister described the event as a success despite trying issues.
This year saw downtown Basseterre turned into a kaleidoscope of colours for J’Ouvert Morning, Parade Day and Last Lap. All three days saw large crowds gathered to celebrate the Christmas/Carnival Season.
On the road, Grand Masters Band won the Road March Title and walked away with bragging rights for another year, while on Parade Day, Ultra Carnival’s ‘Festivals of the World’ once again dominated, beating out Luxe Carnival’s ‘Untamed’ and NautiMas’ ‘The Gate Keepers’.
On J’Ouvert Day, the Small Troupe Title went to Jab Jab, while Chatta Box snapped up first place in the Large category. The Individual Mas Title went to Romain Belgrove.
The Title of King of the Bands was won by Glenroy Marshall’s Luxe Carnival, whil Kyla Morton’s Luxe Carnival was adjudged winner of the Queen of the Bands.
The two new awards, Spirit of Carnival and Section of the Year, saw Ultra Carnival again being victorious.
