BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - WITH the Launch of Carnival scheduled for tomorrow (Nov. 9), many people have been questioning the reason for the choice of venue for the event.
Carnival's Launch, over the years, took place in the form of a street parade ending on Bank Street with a brief ceremony. This year however, the launch will take place at the Palm Court Gardens, Fortlands Basseterre at 4:00 p.m.
When the news broke of the change in venue, among the questions raised were: "Why there?", "Could it accommodate many persons?", "Why not in the heart of Basseterre?"
SKNVibes contacted Chairman of the Carnival Committee Sylvester Anthony who informed that the Committee decided on a change of activity and venue this year, adding that it is looking forward to the launch.
Anthony explained that in the past, both the launch and the official opening of Carnival took place in the form of a parade through the streets of Basseterre, but for Sugar Mas 42, the Committee had decided to change the activities for the launch in an effort to differentiate the two.
"We are trying to distinguish the pre-event this year by having the launch in the form of a soft show opening event and then we will have the official opening which would be a grand street parade. That event takes place on November 22."
When asked about the Committee's choice of place to host the launch, Anthony said that the Palm Court Gardens is above and beyond the Committee's expectation and suits the occasion.
"The venue is an exquisite venue. It is in the city of Basseterre. It is owned and managed by Kittitians. It is a central location and it is a very lovely venue.
"The people need to come to see the venue. You have a beautiful view of the city of Basseterre and the Basseterre Harbour. The option we had was to go to the Marriott...that was the other option. Using a location that belongs to Kittitians and using Basseterre is a much more preferable venue."
Asked if the venue's size is accommodating, Anthony said that the Committee is prepared to work with their resources, noting that venues for events prove difficult to find.
"We don't have very many options in relations to venues when it comes to public events...We will do the best we can in the circumstances and with the resources that we have. And when we have local people, Kittitian private sector people who are willing to partner with us to have a successful carnival, we will take advantage of these partnerships."
At the launch, Anthony said that people could expect an action packed event with entertainment bursting with music and culture among a host of other interests.
"The Launch is essentially an opportunity for us to announce the winner of the winning slogan and the winning jingle which will then become the centrepiece of our marketing efforts for the rest of the season.
"We will also, at that time, be releasing the official Carnival Calendar which will speak to all of the events, which we hope to hold for the Carnival season," he explained.
Anthony used the opportunity to thank the operators of the Palm Court Gardens for their partnership with the Carnival Committee.
"I am extremely grateful to the Amory brothers for partnering with us to have this official launch on Saturday. I think the venue is an exquisite venue and I am sure that the majority of people who will come to that venue on Saturday will have a spectacular time and will think that it was in fact, a very good choice," he said.
