Cultural delegation of St. Kitts and Nevis ‘wows’ audience in Taiwan

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, OCTOBER 21ST 2012 (CUOPM) – Following a colourful and energetic performance by the visiting cultural delegation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the audience in the auditorium of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Taoyuan County in the Republic of China (Taiwan) was left cheering loudly as the group took their final bow before exiting the stage on Saturday afternoon.

The Cultural Group in National Dress with the resident Ambassador of Saint Kitts and Nevis in Taiwan, Her Excellency Ms. Jasmine Huggins

The Federation’s Resident Ambassador in Taiwan, Her Excellency Ms. Jasmine Huggins said the 8-member Cultural Group, the first from St. Kitts and Nevis to tour Taiwan, had already impressed a large international audience comprising of members of the Diplomatic Corps and Representative offices in Taiwan, as well as officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at a press conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday.

The Cultural Group is one of 4 groups from Latin America and the Caribbean taking part in a cultural Festival in the Republic of China.

In his remarks, Taiwan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency Simon Ko, said that the use of cultural exchanges, was an important strategy used by President His Excellency Ma Ying-jeou, to strengthen the ties of friendship between Taiwan and its diplomatic allies.

Extolling the rich heritage of each country, the Deputy Minister highlighted the diverse nature of the performances and promised that audiences in Taiwan would be eager to experience the culture of the regions.

The Group from Saint Kitts and Nevis did not disappoint as they told the history of the Federation with drums, dance and song.

“The pulsating and rhythmic beats of the drums by Mr. Royd Phipps and Mr. Davrald Allen, the dynamic and vivacious dances by Desi Brown, Leburnah Liburd, Alphonso Henry and Tomeeka Richards, and the melodious singing of Miss St. Kitts and Nevis Kalia Huggins thrilled the audience in the auditorium,” Ambassador Huggins told the Communications Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister (CUOPM).

Other countries in the Cultural tour include a pan orchestra from Belize, a folklore dance group from St. Lucia and a Marimba band from Guatemala.

The Groups will give a short performance on Monday at the Presidential Palace before heading to Central and Southern Taiwan later next week.