Nevis Premier urges full support in upcoming Culturama festivities

Premier of Nevis Hon. Vance Amory addressing invitees at a cocktail reception hosted by the Nevis Island Administration for contestants of Culturama 39 at the Nevis Performing Arts Centre on July 18, 2013

NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (JULY 22, 2013) — Premier of Nevis Hon. Vance Amory believes that as a people, Nevisians have a responsibility to ensure that they throw their support behind all the events planned for the upcoming Culturama Festival and has urged contestants to give their best.

Mr. Amory’s comment came when he delivered brief remarks at a reception hosted by the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) at the Nevis Performing Arts Centre (NEPAC) on July 18, 2013, for local contestants who will participate in the 39th annual Cultural Summer festival which will officially commence on July 25 and conclude on August 6, 2013.

“While we rely on the contestants to make their performances, from the children in the schools to the teens to the swimwear and the Mr. Kool and the Queens and the Kings of Calypso, I believe that we as a people, we have a responsibility as well to ensure that we support all of the shows.

“I want also to let you know that there are others who will come to participate with us and they are looking forward to the best performances that they would have seen over all of these years and so contestants, you have a big job ahead of you and those of us who are here we have to make our guests welcome because next year as you have heard, Culturama 40, we want that to be the big one,” he said.

The Premier registered delight on behalf of the Administration and noted that the reception was a show of appreciation to the contestants. He also pointed out that he was pleased that the Calypso King contenders were present at the reception since that had not been the norm in past years.

“I am so happy that some of the calypsonians have come because in the past we have tended to treat our calypsonians as if they are second cousins and I want to ensure that they are a part of this grand occasion when we come as a people to celebrate with those who will make the Culturama competitions this year the best that it will be,” he said.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Culture on Nevis Hon. Mark Brantley (middle) with major sponsor LIME’s Chief Executive Officer Mr. David Lake and his wife at a cocktail reception hosted by the Nevis Island Administration for contestants of Culturama 39 at the Nevis Performing Arts Centre on July 18, 2013

In conclusion, Mr. Amory had warm words for the contestants and people of Nevis and urged them to make this year’s Culturama the best.

“Let me say again how pleased I am that so many have come and all of you look so radiant. I think Nevis has some of the most beautiful people in the world…and I think…that Nevis is the best piece of real estate on the planet…, not withstanding all the little hiccups we have, I think Nevis is a wonderful place.

“People of Nevis, friends of Nevis, visitors, you have come to the right place and this Culturama 2013 is the right time. Thank you so much for being here and I do take great pleasure in saying to all of us let’s make this Culturama the best ever,” he said.

Meantime, Deputy Premier and Minister of Culture on Nevis Hon. Mark Brantley in brief remarks thanked those who had provided sponsorship for the various contestants and shows.

“I want to single out the representatives from LIME because Culturama, we know, would not be possible were it not for the sponsorship and so LIME, I want to thank you very, very much for your continued support.

“I want to share a little story with you because LIME has come big, $75,000, as you’ve heard…The other day we needed some top-ups and with a simple email to Mr. Lake, the email came back almost immediately and said ‘absolutely.’ So even though they have given a significant contribution, they continue to contribute. The other sponsors as well, I want to recognise them because, of course, as I say, without the sponsors, this would not be possible,” he said.

Cabinet members and other officials in the Nevis Island Administration along with invited guest at the Nevis Island Administration’s cocktail reception for contestants in the 39th Culturama at the Nevis Performing Arts Centre on July 18, 2013

Mr. Brantley also reiterated the Administration’s plan to do all it could to make the Culturama festivities safe and enjoyable for patrons and spoke to the measures taken.

“From the Government’s point of view, we are doing everything in our power to make this event a fantastic event for everyone. We are making some changes to the Cultural Complex for your additional comfort. There’s additional seating. We have a brand new entrance into the complex to make for easier access and egress. We have fixed some roofing. We have done a new stage in the Cultural Village. We have enhanced security because we know that is a concern for many. Now, we’re going to have CCTV cameras throughout the Cultural venue and all along the routes in Charlestown.

“So we want you to come out to revel and enjoy yourselves knowing that you are safe and secure and that the police, the Administration and all of those who are charged with that, are taking that responsibility seriously. So we’re asking you please, come out, enjoy yourselves. Support our contestants; support Culturama. It is indeed the Caribbean’s greatest summer lime, Culturama 39,” he said.

Minister Brantley commended all those who consented to participate in the various competitions and singled out members of the Culturama Committee and sub committees who continued to work diligently to organise the events.

“We would not have Culturama, were it not for the committee and I want to recognise the chairperson, Dr. Patricia Bartlette, who has steered the ship and has done an exceptional job. She has around her a cadre of people that we selected and tried to select very carefully and who have come forward and have really done a superb job thus far in planning Culturama…

“It is difficult to put on a festival of this magnitude with the difficult financial situation that we have faced and continue to face but the important thing about this committee, that I think everyone should know, is that they and their sub committees all do what they do for free. It is all volunteer work and I can tell you it is not easy work. If I were paying them, I would say congratulations to them for their hard work. The fact that we’re not paying them, I want to say double congratulations to them because they’re going well above and beyond the call of duty to make this possible. Dr. Bartlette, I want to thank you publicly and your team and all the various committees and subcommittees,” he said.

Also present at the reception were other members of Cabinet and other officials in the NIA.