BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Christophe Harbour development has once more demonstrated its commitment to community building by investing generously in folklore groups for National Carnival 2009-2010.
Close to 15 groups including masquerade, clowns, mummies, string bands and bull have already registered for this year’s National Carnival parade and Folklore Avenue.
According to Ava Henry, Dance Specialist at the Department of Culture, these groups will “benefit tremendously from this donation” as the funds will be used as an incentive to encourage those groups that have sacrificed and invested much to keep these age-old sports alive.
In a brief handing-over ceremony yesterday (Dec.9) at the Christophe Harbour Office at Port Zante, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture Lloyd Lazar said he is “delighted” for the contribution. He said the ministry has always sought to encourage the private sector to become involved in the events of National Carnival, particularly “a very important component” like folklore.
“We certainly would like to say a very special thank you to Ellis Hazel, representing Christophe Harbour for the significant contribution that they have made investing in our folklore heritage and ensuring that our folklore is preserved and that they are encouraged, in fact, to participate.
“We would like to encourage other private sector companies to make significant contributions also to our folklore groups—such an important part of our rich cultural history and we look forward to their support,” the PS said in an interview with SKNVibes.
Ellis Hazel, Director of Planning and Government Relations at Christophe Harbour said it is a pleasure to be able to make a significant contribution to the folklore groups participating in Carnival. He added that the resort development company which he represents has recognized that folklore is a “very important part of our tradition” and an “integral part of our tourism destination”.
Although the amount was not disclosed, Hazel said, “What the donation shows is that we are not all about confining our resources to the actual construction of the project, but we recognize that... we have to reach out to other elements of the community. In fact, the community is one of our biggest partners.”
Christophe Harbour made a similar donation to the National Carnival Committee and to Nevis Culturama earlier this year, showing sturdy support for the annual events, and according to Hazel, such contributions will continue in years to come.
