BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IN an effort to assist the people of Haiti who have been affected by the recent devastating earthquake that reportedly killed thousands, the People’s Action Movement held a relief concert last evening (Jan. 15) on the Bay Road in East Basseterre.
The concert, dubbed ‘Haitian Relief Concert - Rally, Strength of a Woman’, featured Jamaican artiste Ce’Cile, Antigua’s Claudette Peters, Queen Anastasia, d’vybz featuring Shakki, Sweet Sister Sensia and Small Axe Band.
A large crowd went out to enjoy the event, which was also one of the super rallies organised by the party leading up to general elections to be held on Monday, January 25. Admission to the event was free but the attendees were invited to make donations to assist the Haitians.
A press conference was held earlier yesterday and Ce’Cile, Claudette Peters and Queen Anastasia were in attendance. The three entertainers spoke of the importance of change.
“It’s a great thing for the people to come and want the change. For me, I must encourage that you definitely need change and, on voting day, you have to basically do what’s best for you and the women and for your children,” said Claudette Peters.
The artistes also loved the idea that they were slated to perform at the concert.
“I’m very happy to be a part of the show, coming from a country where our culture and our music is extremely male dominated. We’ve actually joined forces with our government, with the starting of the Sister to Sister Foundation; and that is with Queen Ifrica, Tessane Chin, Ce’Cile, Alaine, Marcia Griffin.
Many female artistes coming together and being there to support women who have been abused from domestic violence etc.; and in a way, this is like an extension of that and I’m very happy to be a part of that,” said Ce’Cile.
“It is more than political for me, I love the theme, ‘Time for change’. If what’s there is bad, then there’s need to be better, and if there is good there is still better and best. So, I’m very happy and excited to be there. It’s my first time and they always say I’m like a girl power chick; so it’s a great show to be on,” the Jamaican artiste said.
Queen Anastasia complimented PAM on stepping up and raising funds for the people in Haiti and thanked them for organising the event. She also said that the country needs the change, specifically for the children, because of the violence among the young people.
“Women work so many jobs that they don’t have time to be home with their sons or daughters, so, hopefully, PAM can help change a lot of these things that are happening in society,” she said.
Following Ce’Cile’s performance, in which she kept the crowd entertained with her dancehall hits, the concert ended as the Small Axe Band failed to turn up.
However, during Ce’Cile’s performance, she introduced herself to the attendees, especially the women, and informed them of some of her moral values. She encouraged the ladies to embrace the power that they have.
“I think we have so much power over the men in our lives, and we need to let them know that we are not going to accept certain things,” she said.
