By: Spokesman News Room
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday 6th October 2022) — Newly-appointed director in the Ministry of the Creative Economy 22-year-old Roberitine Webbe has addressed the focus of the Department of Culture in ensuring that certain folklore elements are showcased during Sugar Mas 51 in preserving culture here in St. Kitts-Nevis.
“So, of course evolution takes place and so we’re working to ensure that we’re continuously preserving our culture while embracing the modernisation and current trends, and so for the Ministry of the Creative Economy and as your director, we are ready for our National Carnival; sweet sweet Sugar Mas. It’s time to celebrate as one!”
Webbe was at the time speaking at a Sugar Mas press conference held on Thursday 6th October 2022 at the St. Kitts Marriott Hotel.
According to her: “I am super elated to be here and I don’t know about you but I’m ready for the road! Who else?!”
The Creative Economy director gave an insight into her work mode since taking up her new post saying: “It’s been about four weeks since I’ve assumed the post of Director of the Creative Economy and the team and I at the Department of Culture are working extremely hard on our carnival events we are super excited and we intend to make these events historic and celebratory [with] the inclusion of all elements of our culture as we plan to showcase them. We are elated to be partnering with Carnival Secretariat in the hosting of the opening of carnival.”
She continued: “So yes, the opening of carnival has gone back the Department of Culture and two descriptive words I would say are unprecedented and grand so be prepared. The next event that we would be hosting is ‘In The Spirit of Christmas’ and yes we [are] going back to the Circus.”
As gathered from Webbe, one of the inaugural events being planned is the Midnight Escape “which is a street festival. It’s a downtown street festival. I don’t know how many of you are aware of the midnight markets in Atlanta and New Jersey and [there is] food and rum festival in Barbados. We [are] going there.”
She also listed the National Folk Galore “which is a combination of the masquerade, bull, mixed folklore competitions and folklore avenue.”
Webbe shared: “So, the Department of Culture which falls under the umbrella of the Ministry of the Creative Economy is continuously working to document and preserve our culture through ICH which is the Intangible Cultural Heritage. So, our emphasis is placed on folklore; preserving the folklore tradition and also other persons who have other traditions like bag making. [There will be] a special emphasis on mockojumbies because we don’t really see them coming out. So, we are working to ensure that they are on the road for Carnival.”
Photo: Newly-appointed director in the Ministry of the Creative Economy 22-year-old Roberitine Webbe is all smiles while making remarks at the Sugar Mas press briefing held on Thursday 6th October 2022. (Spokesman Screenshot)