Minister of Culture Hon. Jacinth Henry-Martin addressing the students at the Sandy Point High School

Basseterre, St. Kitts (April 05, 2004): Minister of Culture Hon. Jacinth Henry-Martin said that there are strong cultural links between the Federation and Cuba which must be developed further.

 

The minister made the statement against the backdrop of the current tour of Havana Rhythms - a band from Cuba - to high schools in St. Kitts. The group performed at the Sandy Point High School last Thursday. After the performance, the minister who also serves as parliamentary representative for the area, said it was wonderful to have the group play in Sandy Point as they continue to tour the island noting that music breaks all barriers.  She added that since the signing of an agreement in 2001 there has been many exchanges between the countries.
         
“We have been able to count on the support of Cuba anytime we need their artistic experience to work for us,” she said. “We also have welcomed dancers who have come here for the National Arts Festival and we are looking forward to have them come back when the event is staged again this year.”

   
Minister Henry-Martin explained that there are opportunities for groups from the Federation to visit the Spanish country in June to participate at the festival of music. “The ministry is making every effort to have St. Kitts and Nevis represented.” Citing budgetary constraints and the tremendous cost of travel to Cuba, the minister of culture explained it is not possible to send a large delegation but indicated that a smaller group will attend.

 

Havana Rhythms perform

Back at home, the rhythms of salsa, beguine sonche, bolero, cha-cha-cha and bosa nova are resounding with locals. The band has drawn rave reviews from the faculty and staff of the schools where they have performed. “It is very important for young people to know that Cuba is a Caribbean sister nation. The (Cuban) people enjoy interacting with us, we enjoy interacting with them and there are many things that we can learn, one from the other,” Minister Henry-Martin stressed.

 

The possibility of creating a scholarship programme where Cubans can pursue short term goals on island was mentioned by the government official. This will enhance the relations between the two countries and build upon the existing programme which offers full scholarships to locals interested in pursuing university level studies. Dozens of students are in Cuba on this scholarship programme.