BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – BANKER’S MAS CAMP, the troupe that won the National Carnival of St. Kitts and Nevis’ Largest Troupe award, stated in a press release that they are humbled by the win.
“After four years of participating in National Carnival, this is the first year we have won the Best Overall Troupe and we are humbled by our accomplishment and grateful for the recognition,” the release stated.
Head builder of the Mas Camp Keeshan ‘Banker’ Walwyn has been involved in building mas costumes for the past six years, collaborating with a number of regional and international productions.
Not only did they win the Best Overall Largest Troupe, but also ‘Most Colourful’ Troupe, Queen of the Band and Overall Best Troupe.
The troupe was called Liamigua: History and Culture, which comprised five segments that gave a reflection of Kittitian history and culture with Black Rocks, Carib Rock Drawings, Bloody Point, Brimestone Hill and Christmas Sports/Folklore, while the Queen and King of the Bands were Mother Colony of the West Indies and Mount Liamigua, respectively.
The Mas Camp extended special thanks to their flagship corporate partners that have been supporting them from day one: TDC, SL Horsford, Carib Brewery, Vivid Design, SVG Players, Aquavita Water, SK Fashion Plus, D&M Catering and Urban Fashion.
“Without your input we would not be where we are today,” said the release. Gratitude was also extended to their most recent corporate partners LIME, their official telecommunications provider, Sun Island Clothes, SKNVibes, Good Life Entertainment, Island Auto Supply, C&C Supermarket, PositivelyInclined.com and Ballahoo Restaurant.
“Your contribution definitely made a positive impact on Banker’s Mas Camp and we hope we can continue working together to promote our island’s culture for years to come.
“To all the volunteers that gave up many sleepless nights building those beautiful costumes, a heartfelt thank you and congratulations is in order…job well done. Thank you to all the well wishers that have been supporting us, all the revellers that play mas with us year after year and the parents that allowed their children to participate in our presentation,” the release stated.
Special thanks were also given to the Maillard and Payne families for their invaluable support and love and to Nu Vybes Band International (Sugar Band) for their dedication to culture and unwavering support of Banker’s Mas Camp.
“We would also like to thank the other Mas Camps for their contribution to the National Carnival; together we make Carnival great.
“Thank you to ZIZ and WINN FM for your hard work and support and, last but definitely not least, we would like to thank the Almighty for giving us the strength and courage to endure.”
In 2006, Banker’s Mas Camp produced their first troupe, Insomnia: A persistent inability to sleep, followed by their 2007 Zodiac One the Elements and True Wonders of Nature Exotica in 2008.
