BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ONE of the cultural heritages in relation to Kittitians and Nevisians’ folklore is the masquerade - a synergistic conception of African, Indigenous Peoples (Amerindian) and European cultures. And it is considered to be one of the main attractions during the Christmas and Carnival season, as well as the Tourism season.
Among the many masquerade bands/groups in St. Kitts is the Sylvester Masquerade, which comprises 16 members, and is still going strong and greatly appreciated by locals and visitors as it was when formed some 14 years ago.
The band was formed by Sylvester Huggins on November 10, 1996 and, according to the founder, over the years the group had travelled regularly to St. Croix, St. Maarten, Anguilla, Tortola and Statia.
“Those are the five countries that we have been mainly going to as we continue to be involved each year,” he said.
Sylvester said at the moment his group still consists of 16 members, including himself and Elroy Browne as drummer. He pointed out that plans for this year’s carnival are in full swing, noting that they intend to showcase their skills and abilities on the streets, today (Jan. 1), as they did.
In an exclusive interview prior to today’s Grand Parade, Huggins said he would have two groups masquerading - one consisting of children and veterans in the other.
“This year we will bring out two troupes, as we have one for the kids and babies in hands, and the other will have the older guys who used to dance with us, and they will be considered the senior troupe,” he said.
The veteran masquerader disclosed that he is not clear as to whether the masquerade troupes would be judged this year, but declared that he is confident of winning if judged. He said his group has won the masquerade title on four occasions and would not mind adding a fifth to their collection.
Commenting on what motivates him each year, Huggins revealed that working with children inspires him as he gets an opportunity in helping to deter them from negativities.
He said children who are involved in negative things are prone to deviant behaviour because of the lack of positive activities and influences, adding that he tries to make positive contributions by teaching them an art form that they could enjoy and from which they could gain financially.
“Sometimes it is nothing big, but just giving them a little money after they would have finished dancing helps in keeping them off the streets in terms of being involved in crime, and that is what I intend to continue doing,” he assured.
He said the children enjoy the experiences, pointing out that they eagerly anticipate this time of the year as it affords them the opportunity of donning new clothing and costumes while showcasing their skills, to what he claims continues to be very appreciative of the group’s talent.
Huggins noted that the support and assistance given over the years by the private sector continue to be very heartening. He stated that the group’s main sponsor is The Cable, from which they have received support over the past nine years.
“We are very thankful to our sponsors as they have been very faithful and continue to support us every year. Especially The Cable, which continues to be our biggest and primary sponsor for the past nine years. And I must say that we have been receiving support for the past few years from RAMS Trading Limited, LIME, S.L. Horsford’s, National Bank and Coury, and we just want to say thanks because of their support the children can continue doing what they enjoy.”
In celebration of their 15th anniversary during next year’s Carnival, Huggins said they intend to begin working on some of their plans at the end of the 2010-2011 National Carnival activities.
Huggins said too that he would continue doing what he loves once the children remain committed and dedicated.
“We will be back next year, God’s spare life, and I will still be involved once the children are committed and dedicated to the cause.”
