BASSETERRE, St. Kitts—AS one of the most popular homegrown media organizations in the Federation, SKNVibes has consistently supported the annual National Carnival celebrations over the years.
On Sunday (Nov. 17), the organization was honoured with the Steward of Carnival Award, joining several individuals and entities recognized for their contributions to the success of the festival.
SKNVibes was specifically lauded for its “unmatched coverage of National Carnival since 2002; extensive archive of photos, results, and historical data; and pioneering live streaming for Carnival events.”
The National Carnival Committee explained that the award is presented to individuals and organizations that provide consistent and exemplary assistance in the production, administration, or promotion of the National Carnival.
CEO and Publisher of SKNVibes, Stachio Williams, accepted the award on behalf of the company, which is committed to educating the public on issues that affect them locally, regionally and globally.
“For over two decades, we have dedicated ourselves to capturing and preserving the essence of this iconic event. From curating an extensive archive of photos and results to documenting the rich history of Carnival, we have worked tirelessly to create a living memory that future generations can look back on with pride,” Williams told SKNVibes News.
Reflecting on the organization’s journey, Williams added: “In 2002, we began with a vision to ensure that every beat of the drum, every burst of color, and every triumphant moment in the competition would be recorded and shared with the world. Over the years, we embraced innovation, becoming pioneers in live streaming Carnival events, connecting the diaspora and Carnival enthusiasts worldwide to the heart of the celebration.”
Williams expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of SKNVibes’ coverage, from the production team to the journalists who worked tirelessly to document the events.
“This journey has been nothing short of incredible. It has been a collaborative effort fueled by passion, determination, and the belief that the magic of Carnival deserves to be seen and celebrated by all. I must thank the remarkable team behind the scenes—photographers, writers, videographers, and tech specialists—who share the same love for Carnival as I do,” he said.
Williams reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to continuing its coverage of the Federation’s premier festival.
Minister of Culture Samal Duggins also emphasized the critical role of stakeholders in promoting the development of St. Kitts and Nevis. He noted that the Carnival season has consistently driven significant economic activity, with the Federation reporting increased arrivals during the period.
“The type of economic activity that is driven by National Carnival is matched by none. And I want us to understand that we must protect this. We must preserve this. I must honour those that have worked tirelessly to build 53 years of a product that we can now call Sugarmas. 53 years of hard work and dedication, and most of it voluntarily,” Duggins said.
Preparations are already underway for Sugarmas 2024/2025, which kicks off in December.
