CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – WINFEST 2009 will be one with a difference! This is according to information received from the Executive Director of the event, Kervin Patrice Wilkin.
Speaking with SKNVibes on yesterday (May 12), Wilkin revealed that the biggest improvement over the previous two years would be a calypso monarch competition for which seven contestants have signed up to date.
“That promises to be a very exciting show. Of the seven only two have entered Culturama competitions, so everybody is basically fresh.”
According to Wilkin, the calypso monarch competition is all part of allowing WinFest to grow. He said the continued growth could see a queen competition being added in 2010. He also said videos of the calypsonians could be seen on youtube.com after searching for Winfes.
The competition is scheduled for the second night of the festival, May 29, at the basketball court in Brick Kiln.
Another new feature of WinFest 2009, which runs from May 28 to June 1, is the fishing tournament which is set for the Saturday, May 30, at Oualie Beach.
Wilkin explained that while the fishing tournament is new to WinFest, it is nothing new to Nevis.
“Historically, Nevis has been a fishing community so people look forward to seeing the fishermen return with their catch.”
The fish will be auctioned to members of the public.
The fishing tournament is one of the main attractions at the Delta Petroleum Nevis Ltd. Ocean Fest at Oualie Beach. The other is a food fair. According to Wilkin there would also be an encore performance by the calypsonians as well as a show by members of the Prestige Modelling Agency and entertainment by the Ultra Sonic Band.
Another major event of the festival is the WinFest Explosion Drag Meet at the St. James’ Race Track. This is set for the Sunday, and Wilkin declared that racers are expected from as far away as Tortola. The races will be followed by a J’Ouvert “warm-up” at the White Hall basketball court at Brick Kiln.
Wilkins explained that the following morning would see the J’Ouvert Parade, accompanied by the Odyssey Band, from White Hall to Herbert’s Beach where music would be provided by De Vybz out of St. Kitts and Odyssey.
Other scheduled activities include a cultural presentation and bingo on opening night, May 28, at Squeeze Them Up Bar on the Brick Kiln Main Road, and a health walk from 5:00 a.m. from the medical school to Oualie Beach on May 30.
Wilkins also revealed that in keeping with the organising committee’s commitment to donate proceeds towards community projects, they would be presenting food hampers to underprivileged persons. He said 10 persons have already been identified and the presentation would take place on May 23. The committee will also look at the possibility of funding another project at the end of the festival.
In 2007 the committee had donated $2 000 to the Nevis Renal Society, and a new stove to the New Castle Police Station as well as a camcorder to the St. James’ Primary School in the following year..
This year’s festival will be officially launched at a press conference on Wednesday, May 20 at the Mount Nevis Hotel. Starting time is 9:30 a.m.
