BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, September 26th 2013 - The spirit of Independence was ever alive in New York City this past Sunday night during an entertainment filled "Cultural Explosion" hosted by SKNYEL, the St. Kitts and Nevis Young Empowered Leaders.
SKNYEL is a collaboration of innovative and visionary citizens aimed at empowering the Kittitian and Nevisian citizenry at home and abroad. In a show of solidarity among hundreds of citizens in the Diaspora, the SKNYEL added a touch of culture and a few hours of reflection on that momentous achievement of thirty years as an independent nation.
The impressive crowd of well wishers and enthusiasts were treated to a Kittitian and Nevisian marketplace where patrons were able to purchase various souvenirs such as vases and cups as well as trinkets such as earrings that donned the federation's name and flag.
New York based Kittitian radio talk show host Ms. Avril Francis proudly hosted the event which commenced officially following the opening prayer by Pastor Ian Barnes of a Queens based Church.
Five year old Azariah Charles, decked in an attractive cultural dress designed by Denise Daniel, invited the audience to prepare for an eventful night.
Songbird Abena Amory set the stage for the night’s solo acts with her powerful renditions of the Star Spangled Banner and the national anthem of the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Other spectacular contributions in song included Shaykala Roberts, Lennox Liburd, Lord Kent, and Charles Rawlins.
The audience was treated to a riveting performance by the Piragramac Cultural Association which was a drum and dance display that certainly held the attention of onlookers.
A short skit dubbed "Kitti In We Heart" depicting the joy of being from an Independent federation starred Felma Hendrickson, Clemecia Tobias & Azariah Charles. The five year old Azariah showcased how she too has a deeply founded love for the federation although she is American by birth! The young lady skillfully gyrated her body to prove that she had the SKN "juice" in her as she whined in her colorful costume to King Konris's "Unstoppable Force."
It was the talented Mrs.Yuen Webbe Manning and her drama partner Ms. Desiree Gumbs who gave the audience a belly full of laughs with their drama presentation titled "Independence Prayer". The women depicted how prayer and dedication to God, were instrumental in the federation's journey to attain independence. Their presentation was very well received.
The event organizer Ms. Tracelyn Gumbs Charles who lead her team of hard working citizens to pull off the successful event praised all those who assisted in any way. She acknowledged the contributions by several renowned New York based organizations, businesses and individuals. Ms. Charles also offered sincere words of gratitude to all who attended the event as well as the participants. In parting, she implored all citizens to avoid speaking ill of the federation as there are many good things that its citizens can be proud of despite the bad things that may currently exist.
During a brief intermission, guests treated their palates to a sumptuous array of local foods which included pumpkin and banana flitters, saltfish balls, black pudding, bread pudding and drinks such as sorrel, ginger beer, and passion fruit to capture the essence of back home.
The curtains came down on the event with a presentation by the Rhode Island masquerade troupe as well as a saucy performance by the St. Kitts-Nevis and New York Bull troupe.
The Caribbean Eagles Band provided musical accompaniment for the night with the assistance of Delbert Gumbs and music legend Tweedy.
Indeed, although the official date has passed, the celebration of the federation’s 30th anniversary of Independence has heightened and continues among hundreds of citizens at home and abroad.
SKNYEL's successful Cultural Explosion will be followed by two worship services this coming Sunday, September 29, 2013 in the morning in Manhattan and in the Bronx later that evening.
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