By Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Monday 14th November 2022)- ”There are so many individuals who have contributed to carnival over the past 51 years and as such, the St. Kitts-Nevis Carnival Committee [SKNNCC] cannot honour all individuals all at one time.
However, you have my commitment that I will ensure that overtime everyone who has made a significant contribution will be recognised and honoured.” So said Minister of Culture Samal Duggins when he spoke during the first annual Sugar Mas-held on Saturday 12th November 2022, in the ballroom of the St. Kitts Marriott Hotel located in Frigate Bay- “in honour of the architect and builders of our 51year-old carnival product.” In addressing the nature of the event, Duggins remarked: “This is a celebration of our national carnival and the people who made is all what it is.” The Culture Minister expressed delight that the National Carnival Committee and the Sugar Mas Awards Subcommittee “value our stakeholders by hosting this formal gala in their honour.
My delight is heightened by the decision that this type and caliber formal event will become a signature event on the Sugar Mas calendar so look out for this year after year.” According to him: “It’s quite easy for us to feel as if what we’re doing here is just a drop in the ocean but let me assure you that without these drops of each of you, without the efforts of all the stakeholders, the ocean that is the St. Kitts-Nevis National Carnival will be more like a small puddle rather than the ocean that it has become.
As your Minister of the Creative Economy, I assure you that each drop into the carnival ocean is welcomed and sincerely appreciated. He gave a historical recap about the start of carnival in the federation and the development over the years.
“Carnival as we have come to know was a new phenomenon, a cultural shift started in Trinidad wanting to copy this model to help boost the economy and to have something to entice visitors. Mr. Basil Henderson in June of 1957, proposed a carnival for St.
Kitts. On December 18th 1957. St. Kitts’ first carnival was launched with a steel band competition, calypso show and queen show. My, how far we’ve grown. Then in 1971, to create uniformity and harmony among the citizens, the government of the day by legislation pioneered by the Hon.
Paul Southwell nationalised carnival through the National Carnival Act of 1971.  He went on to say: “Carnival was now recognized and became the true national event. Continuing its evolution in 2010, the St. KittsNevis National Carnival was then rebranded as we know it nowSugar Mas.
Its 39th National Carnival Chairman, Mr. Clement O’Garro wanted to make our carnival unique; unique to its home where sugar[cane] was king. Carnival continues to be that time of year where everyone regardless of their differences can come together to celebrate our rich cultural heritage and to express themselves creatively and artistically.” Duggins extended gratitude to all who have contributed their hardworking and dedication towards building national carnival over the years which includes those in administration, pageants, street activities, sponsors, costume builders, calypso and soca, folklore, volunteers and all others who have contributed to this overall development in every area.
“If it was not for those individuals, carnival would not be where it is today as we continue our thrust to be the best carnival experience in the region,” he noted. The award ceremony saw seven (7) segments-with description provided by the carnival committeenamely: GOLD STANDARD This award provides (special recognition to an individual who has rendered meritorious service to National Carnival on a continual basis throughout his or her lifetime and at various levels), POINCIANAAWARDS SEGMENT (recognizes and rewards those who received first place in a National Carnival event), STEWARD OF CARNIVAL (awarded to individuals and entities for consistent and exemplary assistance to the production and promotion of National Carnival), ROYAL SCEPTRE (To formerly recognize National Carnival & Talented Teen Queens who achieved ‘special’ firsts in long-standing regional or international pageants), SWEET STRINGS SEGMENT (to recognize bands and individuals for their excellence in music and promotion of National Carnival), SPIRIT OF CARNIVAL (presented to individuals/entities demonstrating excellence, consistency and longevity in the growth and development of Carnival in specific areas), SPIRIT OF CARNIVAL: CALYPSO SPIRIT OF CARNIVAL: CALYPSO & SOCA and SPIRIT OF CARNIVAL: MUSIC/WRITING/SONG WRITING / ARRANGING.
Among the recipients was longstanding executive committee member and former General Secretary of the St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union (SKNT&LU) Stanley Franks Jr. who was among recipients for the Gold Standard Award.
He has been applauded for his 60 plus years of involvement, renowned costume builder, former SKNNCC Chair, reveller extraordinaire, historian and judge. This publication ( Newspaper) is owned by the SKNT&LU.
Front Banner Photo: Longstanding member of the St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union Stanley Franks Jr. who was among recipients for the Gold Standard Award. He has been applauded for his 60 plus years of involvement, renowned costume builder, former SKNNCC Chair, reveller extraordinaire, historian and momentum is expected to continue due to expanding applications 19 pandemic as well as high for emerging technologies such 5G telecommunications and the inflation and interest rates, the continued launch of new consumer electronics. ministry added. (YCH-E) The government will continue to monitor the global economy for further impact from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the COVID-
