The high level of energy and resourcefulness being put into CARIFESTA VII preparations is indicative of the competence and tenacity of host country St. Kitts and Nevis. Residents of the sister islands are giving real meaning to the catch phrase two “mini isles with maxi potential.”
The issue of accommodation for the thousands who will attend CARIFESTA functions, as well as the artistes who will perform and exhibit their goods, is one area in which the CARIFESTA Committee is putting innovation and creativity into action.
In this regard, Accommodation Committee members and the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis are collaborating on a brilliant and resourceful plan. The Government’s housing programme is a key player in this plan in which over 100 new homes being built for Kittitians will be utilized by CARIFESTA artistes and artists. Following CARIFESTA the Kittitian home owners will move into their new residences. The houses will be furnished two and three bedroom dwellings and duplexes.
Director-General Stanley Franks says this is a “win-win” situation. The Kittitians will have the satisfaction of knowing that they live on a site of great historical significance, while the CARIFESTA performers will have brand new, comfortable accommodation during their short stay in St. Kitts and Nevis. He noted however that each group occupying one of these homes will be expected to pay an attractive rate of US $30.00 per person. Mr Franks has also called on home owners, not expecting guests for CARIFESTA to rent rooms to visitors who may need accommodation.
According to the Hotel and Tourism Association there are 22 hotels on the island with a room capacity of 1500. Already a number of hotels have announced their intention to offer special CARIFESTA rates. It is also expected that home owners will open their doors to friends and family from overseas.
It is estimated that about one thousand performers will converge on St. Kitts and Nevis for CARIFESTA, plus several thousand additional visitors.
This overwhelming response is as a result of the aggressive promotional campaign being executed by the Marketing Committee.
CARIFESTA Bashes to launch promotional material have taken place over the last two weeks with the most recent being held at the main town square in Charlestown Nevis. This ceremony which was very well supported, featured cultural folk groups such as masquerades, string band and Nevisian dancers.
Minister of Culture, Hon. Jacinth Henry-Martin expressed pleasure with the fact that Nevis was chosen as one of the major CARIFESTA venues and entreated the people of Nevis to make use of the opportunity to witness Caribbean Culture at its best. Minister Martin said, “It is the most significant regional thrust for interaction amongst artists, cultural exponents; it is an explosion of talent, creativity, togetherness and positive energies. It is a time of reflection, a time for us to consolidate, a time for forward and upward mobility in culture and the arts.”
The Director of Culture in Nevis, Halstead Byron, said the people of Nevis could look forward to fun-filled and culturally enriching weeks in August. He stated, “certainly for the ten days of CARIFESTA, we are hoping to bring most if not all of the visiting delegations over to Nevis to perform and interact with the Nevisian people.”
Meanwhile, Regional and International marketing efforts target a wide spectrum of interests. Travel agencies, various overseas associations and organizations are involved with the marketing and promotion of CARIFESTA.
The St. Kitts and Nevis Tourism Department and the Nation’s offices in London, Toronto and Washington, D.C., are playing significant roles in it’s promotion. The Committee is expected to start a Caribbean Promotional Tour in May. Tours to Canada, the United States and Europe are also on the agenda.
CARIFESTA takes place from August 17 to 26, 2000 in “Liamuiga” – St. Kitts and “Oualie”-Nevis – (Two Islands, One Paradise).
CARIFESTA Secretariat
St. Kitts and Nevis
Contact — Maria James
19/04/00
