By Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday 25th July 2024)- Chairman of the Nevis Culturama Festival Antonio ‘Abonaty’ Liburd is in high praise of the festival’s evolution into a “global platform” despite various challenges over the past five decades.
He expressed such sentiments during the festival’s official opening ceremony-for its 50th anniversaryheld at the Cultural Village in Nevis on the night of Thursday 25th July 2024. “From its humble beginnings as a local event, it has become a global platform for showcasing Nevis’ vibrant culture,” the Chairman stated.
Additionally, he reflected on the numerous events that have been added to the festival’s calendar over the years, contributing to its diversity and entertainment value. “This growth is a testament to the vibrancy and richness of our culture which we are proud to share with the world.
Undoubtedly, Culturama has evolved over the past five decades, and now we are on the threshold of celebrating its golden jubilee after five decades of committed and dedicated service to the festival,” Liburd shared. In addressing the various challenges that the festival has faced throughout its history, the festival Chairman highlighted: “Since its inception in 1974, Culturama has withstood the test of time, from financial challenges to waning interest and migration of our best cultural practitioners, to the nationalization of the festival and changes in governments and ministers of culture.
Today, it has become one of the most significant events on the federation’s calendar.” In expressing gratitude, he acknowledged the collaborative efforts that have made the celebration of this milestone possible. “On behalf of the Nevis Island Administration, the Culturama Secretariat, and the Nevis Culturama Committee, I extend heartfelt gratitude to those who have enabled us to celebrate the festival’s golden jubilee,” he said.
He also highlighted the role of the members of the Culturama 50 Executive Committee and sponsors, past and present, in crafting this grand celebration. Liburd thanked the diaspora nationals present, recognizing their invaluable support and participation in honoring Nevis’s rich cultural heritage.
“We are also twinning a homecoming with the golden jubilee celebration of Culturama,” he expressed Looking ahead, he invited everyone to fully immerse themselves in the festival’s offerings over the next 12 days. “Get ready to experience our rich cultural heritage and enjoy our local cuisine, arts and crafts, and diverse entertainment.” Words of gratitude were also extended to the framers of the festival, the Nevis Dramatic and Cultural Society (NEDACS), for their foresight in creating this festival.
Other key contributors of the festival were also recognised including the first chairman and father of Culturama, the late Calvin ‘Cabo’ Howell. ‘Celebrating Culture, Embracing History, It’s Culturama 50’ is this year’s theme. Front Page Image: The Chairman speaking during the opening ceremony of the 50th anniversary celebration of Culturama Festival in Nevis on Thursday 25th July 2024 (Screenshot via Facebook. com/Nevis Culturama Festival)
