Port of Spain, Trinidad (August 24, 2019)—Trinidad and Tobago is known for calypso, steelpan and a good lime.
There is a theory that an area of familiarity contributes to the sweetness of the lime. Delegates from the St. Kitts and Nevis contingent attested to that theory.
Within moments of entering the Grand Market, in the Queen’s Park Savannah, smack, dab at the top of Caribbean Avenue stands a to-scale model of the Berkeley Memorial, commonly called the Circus.
Every Kittitian and Nevisian did a double take on his or her first sighting of the replica. There was an initial feeling of surprise with seeing the memorial but surprise gave way to pride within moments—the pride that comes with the fact that a monumental part of St. Kitts and Nevis was in Trinidad and Tobago.
Just like in St. Kitts and Nevis, the replica became a popular meeting point for delegates from the federation and it also became the perfect photo spot for countless CARIFESTA 14 patrons. “Selfies” “Ussies” and the regular portraits were the norm at the structure.
The replica of “the Circus”, captured with all the intricacies of the original Memorial in St. Kitts and Nevis, was not only an alluring backdrop but also a visual testament to the pride, resilience and richness of our culture.
It was also indicative of the impact St. Kitts and Nevis’ history has on the regional stage.
The Berkeley Memorial, which was erected in 1883 in memory of Thomas Berkeley Hardtman Berkeley, a legislator and owner of estates in recognition for his service to the people of the two islands, is one of the most popular landmarks in the twin island state. At the top of the 20-foot structure is a clock that has endured the test of time and the weather, and still communicates to locals every minute of the day.
After an exhilarating country night performance on August 22, it was only fitting that delegates from the St. Kitts and Nevis contingent congregated at the Circus to bask in the familiarity of home and to just lime!