BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Junior Drum Corps and the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force Cadet Corps last evening (Sept. 14) scintillatingly displayed their skills at drum and silent drills as part of the Federation’s observance of its 29th Independence Anniversary.
The event was staged along the portion of the Bay Road which sits just in front of RAM’S Supermarket and was kicked off by the members of the Police Junior Drum Corps.
Ably led by Drum Major 15-year-old Shamar Dowell of Market Street, the Drum Corps marched in both slow and quick time, displaying the skills they would have honed since undergoing training with the group.
Of particular enjoyment to the crowd – which lined both sides of the road – was the call and answer session which saw the Corps dividing itself into two groups and alternately trying to outdo the other.
Equally impressive was Dowell’s adroit manipulation of the mace. With each twirl, throw and swing, he faltered not, leading his fellow Corps members in synchronised rhythm.
Nearing the end of the display, the salute was taken by Inspector Lyndon David, Public Relations Officer of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.
The remarkable display continued with the St. Kitts-Nevis Cadet Corps, led by Sergeant Kai-Jana Henry, demonstrating their skill-at-arms.
The 15-member squad performed a number of coordinated drills, most of which followed almost undetectable signals given by one of its members.
No sooner than that event concluded, the Gala Night Culture Show began. Taking place just on the outside of the Museum and being declared officially open by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture Sharon Rattan, the event highlighted a wealth of talent possessed by the children of this nation.
Appetites for drama, singing, dance, instrumentals and drumming were undoubtedly satisfied last night with the younger generation proving that their talents are second to none.
The theme for the evening mirrored that of this year’s independence, “Cherishing Children, Strengthening Families”.
Featured acts included the Zion Moravian Youth Choir, Zack’s International String Band, Barisha Cranston who sang and played the guitar, Poinciana Theatre Productions, Synergy, the National Drum Corps and Anandi Christopher who performed a dance in tribute to her recently-deceased mother, Singing Angie.
Not only was the event well-attended, but the audience was obviously appreciative of each performer and even where mistakes were made, words and applauses of encouragement were extended.
The ForePlay Band, which opened the show, also brought the curtains down on the event.
