Federation to debut in Passport DC events this weekend

Part of the St. Kitts and Nevis display broadcasted on FOX 5/WTTG. Photo taken from myfoxdc.com.

Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 02, 2012 (SKNIS): St. Kitts and Nevis’ debut in this weekend’s Passport DC event in Washington, D.C. in the United States, has generated a buzz having been featured on a local television station.

The Federation’s Ambassador Her Excellency Jacinth Henry-Martin was one of four diplomats to be featured on FOX Network’s DC Affiliate WTTG Channel 5 on May 01. She was interviewed by FOX 5’s Holly Morris, who also spoke to the Consul General of Australia as well as the Ambassadors from South Africa and Australia.

Ambassador Henry-Martin told the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service that she was honoured to have portions of the display from St. Kitts and Nevis, which included local batiks, paintings and Brinley Gold Rum, highlighted on FOX. This is even more impressive considering that the embassy of the Federation is one of a record number of 42 embassies that will participate in the 5th anniversary of Passport DC, which is organized by Cultural Tourism DC.

“The benefits to us are untold,” the Ambassador said, noting that the two-minute appearance on television was a welcomed bonus that ordinarily would cost millions in advertising dollars. “… We are getting the word out that there is a St. Kitts and Nevis and that there is adequate airlift …”

That message was not lost on the Australian Ambassador, His Excellency Ken Beazley, who told the interviewer that he has not been to the twin-island Federation but he has just seen the display “and I’ve got to say it’s going to be next on my list.”

Linda Harper, the Executive Director of Cultural Tourism DC, indicated that approximately 180,000 persons from 40 of the 50 American States attended events for Passport DC, last year.

St. Kitts and Nevis will be participating in the Around the World Embassy Tour on May 05 and Meridian International Children’s Festival on May 06.

During the embassy tour, visitors will be able to sample the national dish and Brinley Gold Rum, admire local batik as well explore St. Kitts and Nevis through various paintings, pictures and videos. While browsing, they will be entertained by a live soca band headed by a national living in D.C. At the children’s festival, local folklore will be highlighted. The costumes of traditional acts such as the clown and the masquerade will be displayed and an interactive segment will allow persons to produce their own cultural mask and learn basic dance steps.

Ambassador Henry-Martin thanked officials from the St. Kitts and the Nevis Tourism Authorities for their assistance as well as members of the local St. Kitts-Nevis National Association.