By: Precious Mills
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Friday 22nd October 2021) — Well-known Cultural Preservationist Winston ‘Zack’ Nisbett, better known as ‘De Doctor of Culture’, is conducting community folklore and serenading community tours around St. Kitts featuring the talents of primary school students. On Saturday 16th October 2021, students from the Violet Petty Primary School in Lodge Village performed a Mummies Troupe display during a visit to the St. Peter’s community. Nisbett’s involvement in the school system stems from a partnership with the Ministry of Culture targeting Grades 1 and 2 students. Other participating schools and folklore groupings include: Joshua Obadiah Primary (David and Goliath), St. Paul’s Primary (Bull Troupe — an all-girl first), Irish Town Primary (Cowboys and Indians), Tucker Clarke Primary (Cake Walk), Cayon Primary (Bull Troupe), Dr. William Connor Primary (Masquerade) and Sandy Point (Mocko Jumbie).
Nisbett, who himself played the drum during the Violet Petty performance, said: “We want to create an environment of cultural heritage to bring back the spirit in the community when troupes used to be in the communities, and we want to build the momentum for the Christmas and carnival season to bring back the old time days. As long as God gives me health and strength, this is what I’m going to do because it is not for me, it is for the populous of St. Kitts and Nevis to keep culture alive and that is what I’m going to do until I die.” He noted that the Violet Petty students “are experts now” after three years of work together. Community activist Dr. Terrance Drew of St. Peter’s commended the youngsters and encouraged society to always support young people involved in positive activities that uplift themselves and their communities.