TDC donates EC$30,000 towards Kaiso Show

By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter-SKNVibes.com
       

(L-R) Ernie France Managing Director TDC Nevis Dominic Mathew Marketing Assistant TDC, , Antonio Liburd Manager Culturama Secretariat and Culturama Committee Chairman Halstead Byron

Ernie France, Managing Director TDC, Nevis Branch, recently handed over an EC$30 000 cheque  to Culturama Festival Chairman Halstead Byron and the Manager Culturama Secretariat, Antonio Liburd, at a brief ceremony held at the TDC Depot at Pinney’s Industrial Site.

France said by donating the cheque, TDC wants to ensure that the Kaiso Show would be of the highest standard. He was optimistic that the money donated would go a long way in ensuring that the art form is preserved. 

He stated that TDC has supported Culturama activities for the past 31 years and the company has also been a traditional sponsor for the Talented Teen Pageant. 

Prior to receiving the cheque, Byron said the Kaiso Show was one of the biggest evens in Culturama. Byron described the Calypso Show as the “heartbeat” of any Caribbean festival and declared that the Nevis Cultural Foundation would partner with TDC throughout the year to enhance calypso on the island.

To date, said Byron, 15 calypsonians have enlisted to perform during Culturama. He said one of the major goals is to interest the youth to perfect the art form. He also hailed the reigning Junior Monarch for his excellent performance and said he would be performing at the senior level of the Kaiso Show.   ~~Adz:Right~~

Liburd said TDC Group of Companies has had a long working relationship with the Culturama Secretariat: “The relationship has been long and fruitful.”

Members of the press sought to know how TDC and the Culturama Secretariat would partner to sponsor future Junior Calypso Shows. In response, France said TDC would remain open to ensure that young calypsonians grow into becoming veterans.

Asked by the press what efforts were made to ensure King Meeko’s grievances are addressed to ensure his participation, Byron said his Committee was dialoguing with the authorities.

Also of concern to the press was the availability of a Nevisian back-up band at Culturama shows. Liburd and Byron said there were not enough brass players in Nevis and training for Nevisian bass players was ongoing.

Byron said workshops for judges would be planned in the future to ensure Culturama events are judged professionally.