BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE Sugar Mill in Warner Park was yesterday (Jan. 26) abuzz with activities for the final episode of Sugar Mas 41, as winners of various events at the annual National Carnival received their prizes.
The Prize Giving Ceremony commenced with a rendition of the National Anthem by Captain Nigel 'Numpy' Williams of the Defence Force on trumpet and that was followed by remarks from Minister of Culture Hon. Marcella Liburd and Chairman of the Carnival Committee Sylvester Anthony.
Minister Liburd thanked Anthony and other members of the Carnival Committee for the splendid job they did, as well as all those who participated in the numerous Carnival-related activities, and congratulated all winners of the various events.
She also encouraged those in attendance to participate in future Carnivals.
“Special thanks to all who participated in the Parade…one of the biggest in years,” she said.
She also paid a tribute to Ras Tambora Kitwana who passed just hours before the event was held.
Anthony recognised all the sponsors and stated that the end of Sugar Mas 41 had signalled the beginning of Sugar Mas 42.
Prizes were distributed to the winners of Talented Teen and Junior Calypso, Soca Monarch, National Queen Pageant, Calypso Monarch and street activities.
The top three winners of the major shows were awarded cash prizes and also a Smartphone each, compliments Sugar Mas’ platinum sponsor telecommunications company LIME.
For the first time ever the Prize-Giving Ceremony was coupled with a Band Festival that featured Road March Champions Small Axe Band, Kollison Band, Nu Vybes Band International, Grand Masters Band, Xcess Band and the Legends Band.
The Legends Band got the action underway and featured some of the calypsonians who participated in Sugar Mas 41, before the 'jam bands' took over and rocked the crowd until the wee hours of this morning.
