Basseterre, St. Kitts (August 24, 2005): St. Kitts businessman Gus Williams has been appointed as the new chairman of the National Carnival Committee.
Williams, succeeds Allister Williams as chairman, who has been carrying the paid position of Executive Director of the Festivals Secretariat and the voluntary position of carnival chairman. Allister Williams will continue to manage the Festivals Secretariat of the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture.
Gus Williams is a longtime carnival organizer, having served as chairman of Birmingham International Carnival and host of the second largest carnival in the United Kingdom.
Minister of State with responsibility for national carnival Hon. Richard Skerritt said the decision to appoint a voluntary chairman from outside the ministry will help to strengthen carnival while making the committee more autonomous and community oriented.
It (the appointment) comes as a result of feedback received from stakeholders during a retreat in March 2005, which examined the way forward for national festivals, particularly the St. Kitts Music Festival and National Carnival.
I believe Gus is the right man at the right time, and I appeal to the entire community to give Gus your support, the minister emphasized.
In commenting on his appointment, the new carnival chairman said he is happy to serve his country in such an important role and that he is confident that the net of inclusion will be expanded to facilitate maximum participation in carnival by all residents and stakeholders.
My immediate task is to help the ministry to put together a strong committee and a number of effective sub-committees, said Mr. Williams.
The 2005-2006 St. Kitts-Nevis National Carnival officially begins on December 17.
