The heat of CARIFESTA VII is beginning to spread throughout St. Kitts and Nevis with the launch of material to promote the event.
The second leg of the launch takes place Friday April 14 on the island of Nevis. The first phase of the launch took place on Friday April 7 in downtown Basseterre, St. Kitts. The twin island Federation will host CARIFESTA VII August 17-26, 2000.
The release of the first official CARIFESTA VII promotional video was added incentive and excitement for the large crowd of eager on-lookers at the initial ceremony who expressed their satisfaction with the video.
CARIFESTA driven enthusiasm is made all the more suspenseful by the fact that it is the first time that an island of this size has attempted to host such an event. This prospect serves only to strengthen the resolve of Kittitians and Nevisians who are well known for their capacity to organise big events with outstanding success. This point was underscored by the officials who made presentations at the ceremony.
While the people of St. Kitts and Nevis are certain of support from the wider CARICOM region in organising the massive event, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Sam Condor reiterated the need for continued voluntary work to ensure its success. He said, “We expect lots of support, but charity begins at home and we invite all of you here in St. Kitts to make sure that you make your maximum contribution.”
Minister of Culture Hon. Jacinth-Henry Martin previously travelled to Barbados and Trinidad to attract sponsorship, financial contributions and technical assistance. Other regional marketing efforts are on the agenda for upcoming months. Given feedback, the people of St. Kitts and Nevis are froth with expectations of the large number of Caribbean and International visitors who will converge on the twin island Federation in August.
Former Minister of Culture Hon. Dwyer Astaphan stated, “it will be a fantastic time here where people will meet other people and cultures will blend with other cultures.” He invited those visitors present at the ceremony to return for CARIFESTA VII and to spread the word adding, “the islands (St. Kitts and Nevis) are fully geared to receive you in our usual outstandingly hospitable manner.”
Another treat for the general public attending the CARIFESTA VII Bash was the presentation of the very popular CARIFESTA song composed by Mr. Andrew Murray of Nevis who won that competition earlier this year. They were introduced to Mr. Arvid Fredrick winner of the official slogan competition for CARIFESTA VII, “Embracing Our Caribbean Culture.”
Chairing the ceremony was the Director of CARIFESTA VII Mr Stanley Franks Jr., who thanked those persons and organisations instrumental in promoting CARIFESTA VII. Sponsorship to date has come from a number of local and regional sources including Carib, The St-Kitts-Nevis- Anguilla National Bank; Texaco and LIAT as Confirmed Platinum sponsors. Rams and S.L. Horsfords and Co. Ltd are Gold Sponsors. Barclays Bank is a silver sponsor and John Gumbs Ltd., Courts and Leyton Microcomputer Services are providing sponsorship at the bronze level. Other sponsors with undetermined levels of sponsorship include BWIA, Delisle Walwyn & Co. Ltd. and TDC.
CARIFESTA VII Bash #2 being held in Nevis later today is expected to be equally successful.
