BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A positive venture is in the making to assist in facilitating finance for G’Neika Liburd to undergo an operation in Barbados to remove a tumor from her brain.
The idea for this venture was birthed by Glen Hanley, sound engineer of the Grand Masters Band, and is scheduled to take place at 17 Degrees on Saturday, January 26, where a number of top entertainers in St. Kitts will be performing.
Speaking with SKNVibes, Hanley, who has been performing the duties of sound engineer with the band for some 23 years, said that as a father his heart went out to the family of the six-year-old.
“I’m a father, I have kids and it is very sad when a child is sick and, as a parent, the first thing you think about is…‘What if it was your own child?’ So everyone is offering their services for free,” he said.
Hanley said that a host of DJs along with Small Axe, Nu Vybes, Kollision and Grand Masters Bands would be a part of the event.
He said that they would also like to have an all-day event on that day for children, but plans are still being finalised in making it a reality.
“We are trying to get as much funds as possible for this cause. It’s going to need a lot to help. Apart from the US$15 000, there are other expenses involved. So whatever we can generate when people come out to the event we’ll be thankful.”
Hanley spoke with Joey Dean, owner of the popular entertainment venue, 17 Degrees, whom he noted is always willing to make contributions whenever he could.
“Also, persons who are having events around that time have cancelled to accommodate this one; so we really want to thank all those people for their assistance,” he said.
Deane explained that in speaking with DJ Rinch, whose Birthday Bash was scheduled for the date, volunteered to postpone his event to accommodate the fundraising venture.
“I have the outmost respect for him in doing that,” he said.
He continued: “We usually offer the venue when it comes to fundraisers. We have never had a problem doing so, as we feel it is our responsibility to society.”
Rajiv Hamilton, popularly known as DJ Rinch, of Yard Tune Productions, posted a message on his Facebook page stating that due to the urgency of the funds for little G’Neika he was cancelling his ‘bash’, which will be kept at a later date.
He also encouraged people to go out and support the cause.
Gregory ‘Mention’ Hobson, lead vocalist of the NU Vybes Band International (De Sugar Band), said, “It’s a heartwarming venture. You know, I mean, I have kids and I’m sure other band members have kids, so it’s a heartwarming experience to be a part of something like this. So, regardless of this thing you hear about the bands and the violence, I think this is a good way to incorporate the bands in terms of unifying them. One torch going forward.”
He hopes that with the bands partaking, they “work off of unity with one another” for the betterment of the growth and development of the music in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Hobson is appealing not only to the fans of the Sugar Band, but also to the general public to attend the event and support the effort of the child who is going through this tragedy.
“The whole thing about it is that I have to give a shout out to DJ Rinch. He had an event that was booked for the 26. Basically the same line up…the same bands that were supposed to take part in the event. He is also a big reason why we are having this event, and the other bands that are a part of this event were booked for his event,” Hobson said.
Manager Gregory Warner and Gary Thomas of the Small Axe Band said that once the event is taking place their band would be a part of the fundraiser.
Kevaughn Browne of the Kollision Band said that the band’s members are saddened, but they are happy to be entertaining those who would be supporting the cause.
He is also appealing to individuals who may be having an event on the same day/night to take DJ Rinch’s example and postpone theirs to a later date.
“I’m asking persons who have events planned on that night or day of this fundraiser to postpone them and support the cause of this young girl. She can be the next prime minister, doctor or lawyer. Who knows what the future holds? I’m appealing to everyone to come on out and support a worthy cause.”
The mother of G’Neika, Kamoy Liburd, expressed great gratitude to the persons organising the event and all others who have so far contributed to her daughter’s medical fund.
Liburd said that she is overwhelmed by the kind gestures from the general public who have been so willing to give from their hearts.
Hanley said that so far, some of the contributors for the event are Nu Vybes, Grand Masters, Small Axe and Kollision Bands, 17 Degrees, Sister Sensia of SSS Promotion, Sugar Bowl, SKN Best of De Best (Evolution HD), Real Men Promotion, Valley Tent and Generator Rentals, Pinocchio Music, Freedom FM, DJ Rinch, DJ Yardy, YOLO and SKN Entertainment.
