BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A change to the National Carnival Committee has just revealed Shannon Hawley as the new and first female Chairperson of Carnival replacing Clement O’Garro, last year’s Chairman. The 2011 Sugar Mas celebrations will take place for 40 calendar days to commemorate the 40th Anniversary.
According to Marcella Liburd, Minister with responsibility for Carnival, at a press briefing held yesterday (Sep. 15), O’Garro was replaced because he had to leave the island to take up employment elsewhere.
Liburd noted that they are very happy for him and they have been keeping in touch. She, however, noted that he is still a part of the Committee although he is now based abroad.
She named Ivor Blake as the new Deputy Chairperson who is also responsible for Security, Marshalls and Medical.
The Minister added that they have added a few new members to the committee which includes Sylvester Anthony as head of the Calypso Committee, as well as being responsible for Legal Affairs and Intellectual Property. As she said, that was one of the areas in which they were lacking and with his legal background they hoped to fill that gap.
He is replacing Ken Ballentyne whom Liburd indicated was unavailable this year.
The other new member is Val McMaster who will be responsible for street activities.
Liburd also made mention of last year’s carnival celebrations and thanked all the sponsors as well as individuals who took part.
She said they are definitely looking for greater participation this year from all and expressed the desire for all participants in the celebrations to be more responsible.
“We are appealing to people to exhibit responsible behaviour when they are on the streets in the mass bands and outside; responsible behaviour in your drinking, responsible behavior - for we will have zero tolerance for violence on the street,” she added.
She also spoke of the bands and urged them to look at their lyrics as many people have been complaining about the lewd lyrics
Liburd indicated that we have to look at ourselves as a people and decide what message is being sent to our children.
Speaking with Shannon Hawley, she told this media house that she is honoured that the Minister of Culture has given her the opportunity to serve as the first female chair of the Carnival Committee.
She said Liburd believes in her talent and also stated that they have had a very close business relationship since she has been part of the committee for the past two years.
Hawley who was the Deputy Chairperson last year said she would certainly not disappoint.
Below is the list of appointees in the revamped committee along with their responsibilities:
Chairperson, Marketing & Sponsorship- Shannon Hawley
Deputy Chairperson, Security, Marshalls and Medical- Ivor Blake
Community Festivals- Vincent Fough
Promotions & Public Relations in the Diaspora - Clement ‘Monarch’ O'Garro
Public Relations Officer - Marlene Phillips-Lee
Finance, Vendors and Booths- Carol Boddie
Pageants and Merchandising-Nicole Gumbs
Production & Carnival Arts Development-Dennis Richards
Calypso, Legal Affairs, Intellectual Property-Sylvester Anthony
Streets-Val McMaster
Sites -Lester Ible
Secretary -Donna Morton
The 2011 Sugar Mas celebrations will run from November 25 to January 3 with the official launching on October 15 when there will be a grand parade through the streets of Basseterre.
