ST. KITTS - CULTURE BEAT

ST. KITTS  - CULTURE BEAT
St. Kitts Department of Culture is Always on the Beat!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

"BASSETERRE ALIVE!" IS TOMORROW ON FORT STREET FRIDAY DECEMBER 16TH 2011

Basseterre comes Alive on Forts Street from 12:00pm until 5:00pm with Local Food, Crafts, Activities and Entertainment.


LUNCH-TIME CONCERT 
12:00PM - 2:00PM
Legends Tent
Huggins Masquerade


AFTERNOON CONCERT 
 3:00PM - 5:00PM
Okolo Drummers
Latin Dance Group
National "Queen" Interviews
Phunnmakers Troupe


JOIN ST. KITTS DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE AND ST. KITTS AND NEVIS NATIONAL CARNIVAL COMMITTEE IN CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF CARNIVAL AND KITTITIAN CULTURE!


Press Release (15/12/11)
"Basseterre Alive!"
St. Kitts Department of Culture-
Research & Documentation Unit
Tel:: (869) 467-1396
Email: stkittsculture@gmail.com

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

"THE STORY OF CARNIVAL" PANEL DISCUSSION AT UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES

THE STORY OF CARNIVAL- DECEMBER 13TH 2011 at UWI
St. Kitts and Nevis National Carnival is hosting a discussion on "The Story of Carnival" Tuesday December 13th 2011 8:00pm at the University of the West Indies Open Campus The Gardens St. Kitts with an impressive panel of contributors; Alphonso Barker, Stanley Franks, Alexis Knight, Cyril "Puntan" Webster, and Dauna Manchester.  This team of individuals when combined offers a wealth of experience and knowledge about the early development of National Carnival.

ALPHONSO BARKER can speak on all aspects of Carnival prior to 1971 with special emphasis on Folklore Street Theater.  He participated in Carnival as a Clown and his brother "The Mighty Kush" was the first Calypso King of St. Kitts.


STANLEY FRANKS can speak about all aspects of Carnival past and present including music and bands of the past.  As a Carnival Costume Builder he turned out some of the most creative and spectacular Carnival Queen Costumes.


ALEXIS KNIGHT served as an interim Chairman for National Carnival from 1972 to 1973 and had great involvement in all aspects of the Steel Band.  He is the first man to defy the status quo by taking the steel band the church.


CYRIL "PUNTAN" WEBSTER a Carnival pundit can speak on all aspects of the steel band and folklore.


DAUNA MANCHESTER served on the first National Carnival Committee as the Coordinator of National Carnival in 1971 and Children's Carnival.
Creighton Pencheon - Director of Culture, St. Kitts

Members of the public are invited to attend and participate.

 For More Information Contact SKN National Carnival Office Tel: (869) 467-1539
Press Release (13/12/11)
"The Story of Carnival" - U.W.I. St. Kitts
St. Kitts Department of Culture
Research & 'Documentation Unit
Email: stkittsculture@gmail.com
Tel: (869) 467-1396

BASSETERRE ALIVE...COMING SOON! ON DECEMBER 16TH 2011

BASSETERRE ALIVE...COMING SOON! ON DECEBMER 16TH 2011-6:00PM FORT STREET, ST. KITTS
Join St. Kitts Department of Culture and St. Kitts and Nevis National Carnival Committee as we celebrate Kittitian Culture as part of the 40th Anniversary of Carnival!

Downtown Fort Street Basseterre will come Alive with food Vendors, Craft Vendors, Family Activities, Prize Give-Away's and Live Entertainment on the Main Stage at Central Street.  Action starts at 12:00pm!  This first time initiative is intended to be an annual event and is and opportunity for businesses in the area, vendors, artists, nationals and visitors on island to come together as ONE Community to celebrate Kittitian Culture. ITS ALL ABOUT THE COMMUNITY!





MAIN STAGE - Fort and Central Street Intersection Basseterre St. Kitts
LUNCH TIME CONCERTS 12:00PM - 2:00PM
Fusion Band
Jorf Attack Youth String Band
Legend Band and Calypsonian's
Carnival Costumes Display

AFTERNOON CONCERT 4:00PM- 6:00PM
Jason Stinging Ants Clowns
Latin Dance Group
National Youth Drum Corp
"Wuk Up and Big Drum" Dance Competition
Stephen Richards Pan Performance
Huggins Masquerade

WINNERS of "Basseterre Alive!" Competitions will be announced at the end of the Day.


DON'T MISS THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO BE A PART OF NATIONAL CARNIVAL CELEBRATIONS ON FRIDAY DEC. 16TH AND THROUGHOUT THE SEASON!
http://www.facebook.com/SKNCarnival?sk=app_208209315900235

For More Information Contact:  St. Kitts Department of Culture (869) 467-1415
Press Release (13/12/11)
"Basseterre Alive"
St. Kitts Department of Culture
Research & Documentation Unit
Email: stkittsculture@gmail.com
Tel (869) 467-1396



Wednesday, November 30, 2011

NGOMBULU YA SANGUI YA MINA BANTU LASCONY WILL LECTURE IN ST. KITTS MONDAY DECEMBER 2ND 2011 AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO JOIN THE UNESCO ST. KITTS AND NEVIS SLAVE ROUTE PROJECT IN WELCOMING MR. NGOMBULU YA SANGUI YA MINA BANTU LASCONY TO GIVE A LECTURE ON MONDAY DECEMBER 2ND 2011 7:00PM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES


"..., NYSYMB LASCONY visited more than one hundred museums throughout the world, has attended over 300 concerts (especially jazz, blues and reggae), and visited Africa in 419 villages, 112 cities (all continents together). He toured Africa and Europe, performing in various jazz festivals as a poet".

"It was after reading "The philosophy and opinions of Marcus Garvey" that he finally committed to the History and Negro Art. He has travelled 23 countries in Africa, 18 from Europe, 11 in the Caribbean and America, camera in hand".



Since then, nearly two decades, the activist is useful lectures on jazz and on various historical subjects relating to the Negro question. He has performed as a lecturer in many schools, universities, Institutes, cultural centres, bookstores, libraries and museums :"


"N.Y.S.Y.M.B: Ngombulu Ya Sangui Ya Mina Bantu LASCONY was born in Brazzaville (Congo) and grew up in Paris (France). He is a man that multiplies multidisciplinary (writer, historiographer, researcher, poet, documentary film maker and jazz band leader) activities to defend a cause that he considers essential. The subjects of his documentaries betray his passion and commitment. Passion for History, jazz and Negro art. He has studied the history of Africa with the djelys (griots) in the greatest initiatory centres of the hinterland, music at the Conservatoire municipal de musique et de danse de Lagny sur Marne and cinema at the Ecole prĂ©paratoire aux metiers du cinĂ©ma et de l’audiovisuel. He knows and has played with many of the great jazz musicians of our time, and often spends his time in all the legendary places where this music is produced".



Video Links:






Press Release(30/11/11)
"N.Y.S.Y.M.B. Lascony" -  U.W.I. St. Kitts
UNESCO  National Scientific Slave Route Project
St. Kitts Department of Culture
Research & Documentation Unit
Email: stkittsculture@gmail.com
Tel" (869) 467-1396

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Ngombulu Ya Sangui Ya Mina Bantu COMES TO NEVIS FOR THE 2ND LECTURE OF THE UNESCO SLAVE ROUTE PROJECT



On Wednesday November 30th 2011 at 7:00pm join the "UNESCO St. Kitts and Nevis Scientific Slave Route Committee" in Nevis at the Red Cross Building to participate in the Lecture delivered by invited guest Ngombulu Ya Sangui Ya Mina Bantu LASCONY.


WRITER, HISTORIOGRAPHER, RESEARCHER, POET, DOCUMENTARY FILM MAKER AND JAZZ BAND LEADER
N.Y.S.Y.M.B: Ngombulu Ya Sangui Ya Mina Bantu LASCONY was born in Brazzaville (Congo) and grew up in Paris (France). He is a man that multiplies multidisciplinary (writer, historiographer, researcher, poet, documentary film maker and jazz band leader) activities to defend a cause that he considers essential. The subjects of his documentaries betray his passion and commitment. Passion for History, jazz and Negro art. He has studied the history of Africa with the djelys (griots) in the greatest initiatory centres of the hinterland, music at the Conservatoire municipal de musique et de danse de Lagny sur Marne and cinema at the Ecole prĂ©paratoire aux metiers du cinĂ©ma et de l’audiovisuel. He knows and has played with many of the great jazz musicians of our time, and often spends his time in all the legendary places where this music is produced.

It was after reading "The philosophy and opinions of Marcus Garvey" that he finally committed to the History and Negro Art. He has travelled 23 countries in Africa, 18 from Europe, 11 in the Caribbean and America, camera in hand. He made more than half of his journeys with his wife and children to prepare for the rotation. His aim is to show the other side of Africa, the laughing, singing, creating, and not one that reaches out to receive alms. The books can be read and understood by those who are literate, while images can be more easily interpreted, even by the illiterate. Apart from his innumerable adventures, NYSYMB LASCONY visited more than one hundred museums throughout the world, has attended over 300 concerts (especially jazz, blues and reggae), and visited Africa in 419 villages, 112 cities (all continents together). He toured Africa and Europe, performing in various jazz festivals as a poet.

Since then, nearly two decades, the activist is useful lectures on jazz and on various historical subjects relating to the Negro question. He has performed as a lecturer in many schools, universities, Institutes, cultural centres, bookstores, libraries and museums :...

HIS AIM IS TO POPULARIZE KNOWLEDGE, BECAUSE IGNORANCE IS THE MAIN SOURCE OF INCOMPREHENSION BETWEEN HUMAN BEINGS. "A man who travelled a lot does not carry prejudices in his luggage", he concludes. When the history books and the foreign media caricature Africa is a duty for one (or) who is born to correct this false image. That is why he has just completed two series of documentary titled "Portrait of Engineering African" and "Africa: the hidden beauty", a long journey that takes us from the coast of the Zambezi River to Sahel. Monumental works for those who can not move. He combines poetry with jazz, mixtures know orchestrated by a man who knows how to absorb profound texts.

NYSYMB LASCONY may claim to have made more than 150 presentations and lectures on the histories of old Africa’s empires, Jazz and Pan-Africanism which he is one of the best (in the francophone zone). His motto is: FAITH, DETERMINATION, and COURAGE. These three elements are, according to him essential to the course. He refuses to be locked in a category, although the majority of those who met him described as the "GLOBE TROTTER FAMILY".

When people ask him " who finance his journeys?", he always replies with a smile to the question, that at he (or she) who knows the price of freedom must have the resources, simply by working. Life is a choice. There are those who prefer to collect cars, jewels and those who prefer to have a library full of books, although all three options are not mutually exclusive. That hunger justifies the means. NYSYMB LASCONY chose the second option, that of his sacrifice material comforts to live fully his passions".



Ref: Biography http://www.myspace.com/nysymb_lascony


Videos Links:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xlhu12_une-elegie-pour-les-afrodescendants_travel#from=embed

http://www.dailymotion.com/NGOMBULU#videoId=xisey1

http://www.dailymotion.com/NGOMBULU#videoId=xis4yt

http://www.dailymotion.com/NGOMBULU#videoId=xe4tjp

http://www.dailymotion.com/NGOMBULU#videoId=xfqr1x

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xdeqwc_daily2_webcam



For more information about attending the lecture contact Chesley Davis at 
NEVIS CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION
                      Rawlins Business Complex
                      Stoney Grove, Nevis. W.I.

                      Tel: (869) 469-5521 Ext: 2142/2283
                      Tel/Fax: (869) 469-1889
                      Email: ncdfoundation08@hotmail.com




Press Release(28/11/11)
"N.Y.S.Y.M.B. Lascony"
UNESCO  National Scientific Slave Route Project
St. Kitts Department of Culture
Research & Documentation Unit
Email: stkittsculture@gmail.com
Tel" (869) 467-1396

Monday, November 7, 2011

"RESISTANCE IN ST. KITTS" - LECTURE SERIES - UNESCO NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC SLAVE ROUTE PROJECT

On Tuesday November 8th 2011 at 7:00pm "UNESCO National Scientific Slave Route Project" Committee invites the General Public to a lecture hosted at the University of the West Indies located at The Gardens Basseterre St. Kitts presented by keynote speaker Victoria Borg O'Flaherty entitled, "RESISTANCE IN ST. KITTS".

"Victoria Borg O'Flaherty is the Director of Archives at the National Archives of St. Kitts-Nevis.  She has a degree in History from the University of Malta and an M. Litt. in Archives and Records Management from the University of Dundee.  She was the secretary of the Caribbean Branch of the International Congress on Archives (CARBICA) from 2003 to 2005 and has served and continues to serve on several Advisory Committees dealing with education and culture.  In 2009 she coordinated the Caribbean's successful proposal for the inclusion of the Slave Registers of the Caribbean  in the UNESCO Memory of the World listing and produced the website www.historicbasseterre.com  Her research interests include Kittitian Labour history and resistance to enslavement.  Her research has been featured in a number of prestigious books on Archival Studies and History".



The UNESCO National Scientific Slave Route Committee plans to have a series of lectures that attempt to stimulate dialogue about coming to terms with our colonial past in order to move into the future with a positive outlook.  "The Lecture Series will be organized around three sub‐themes entitled “The Decolonization of the African Mind – An Imperative for the Future”; “Towards a Pan‐Africanist Manifesto: Caribbean Civilization in the context of African Renaissance” and “Demystifying the Reparations Debate”. It will explore and encourage debate about the deeper ontological and epistemological characteristics of the “African‐condition”, i.e. what it means to be a person of African descent in a world which leaves no 
room for who and what we are as “black” people and where the “universal” seems to naturally mean 
“white” (which includes the values and belief systems, and knowledge bases that underpin the Eurocentric 
political, economic and cultural world order in which we live today).



The Series will seek to explore this notion of “Afrian‐ness” and what it means to be part of a community 
whose experience appears to be “…unique, with its deportation of populations, its transfer of people 
from one continent to another, its distant memories of old beliefs, its fragments of murdered cultures”
(Cesaire, 2004, 82). It will expose the central violence dealt by the Maafa on the African indigenous 
people and people of African origin – the “deculturalization” of the African mind. “Deculturalization” is 
the term used by the enlightened black intelligentsia to refer to the three‐part process designed and 
perfected by the European ruling elite that 1) denigrates and alienates blacks from their African cultural 
heritage, i.e, African languages, religions, customs etc; 2) teaches them to value only the cultural 
orientations, i.e. languages, religions, customs etc, of Europeans and 3) to assimilate them into a Eurocentric 
political, economic, social and cultural order as their faithful supporters and defenders.

The 
deculturalization of the African mind is the root cause behind the apparent intergenerational 
predisposition among Africans and people of African descent to embrace dysfunction and disunity 
within the family and community, “conceptual incarceration”1 and ‘learned indifference”2. It is only 
through a rejection of its underlying tenets and the embrace of “African‐ness” through the 
“decolonization” of the mind can Africans and persons of African descent counter the Maafa and begin 
to conceptualize and envision an alternative and global project of society and civilization steeped in 
African cultural norms and fuelled by a spirit of collective solidarity". Nery's Chiverton - Committee Member, UNESCO Scientific Slave Route Project

Press Release (07/11/11)
"Resistance in St. Kitts"
UNESCO  National Scientific Slave Route Project
St. Kitts Department of Culture
Research & Documentation Unit
Email: stkittsculture@gmail.com
Tel" (869) 467-1396

Friday, November 4, 2011

"DRUM IT UP" DRUMMING EXPO - FRIDAY NOVEMBER 4TH 2O11 AT CARNIVAL VILLAGE

Sweet Sounds will be hosting a Youth Drumming Expo, the first ever of its kind, under the theme "Drum It Up".  This event will be held on Friday November 4th, 2011 at Carnival Village at 7:00pm.  The Youth Drumming Expo will showcase over fifteen (15) young men from St. Kitts performing in two(2) segments: the first segment, the young men (accompanied by other musicians/band) will be drumming original pieces arranged by themselves and the second segment, the young men would be doing solo pieces.

HISTORY OF "SWEET SOUNDS" EVENT
In an effort to promote Acoustic Drumming in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis,Sweet Sounds hosted a six (6) day workshop from August 15th – 20th, 2011 at the Beach Allen Primary School for youths ranging from 8 – 17 years of age.
The objectives of the workshop were:

·         To educate the Federation’s Youth about the art of Acoustic Drumming;
·         To preserve such music that is indigenous to our culture;
·         To motivate and discipline our youths that appear to have resorted to deviant behaviour.

The Workshop consisted of approximately forty (40) participants (boys and girls) and five (5) facilitators including Mr. Oflyn “One Boot” Rogers, Kapeto, Mr. Anelto Wilkin and Mr. Marvin Shelford.  Over the course of the Workshop, the participants learned techniques and different types of drumming as well as learning to possess the right attitude in life and reaching for goals.  The participants were taught/trained using different mediums such as videos and practical application.

The Workshop climaxed with an energizing expedition of music and drumming talent on Saturday, August 20th, 2011 in the Independence Square.  This event was sponsored by LIME.   The presentations showcased what was learned by the various participants over the course of the week.  Onlookers, supporters and parents were marvelled at the presentation.  At the end of the showcase in the Square, the participants were presented with a bag pack sponsored by LIME and drum sticks and T-Shirts sponsored by National Bank. 

 In promotion of the above mentioned Expo, Sweet Sounds hosted another expedition in the Independence Square on Friday, October 7th, 2011 from 4:00pm.  This expedition showcased sample performances of the wonderful, skillful art of Acoustic Drumming by the participants of the Drumming Expo.  Just a taste of what is to come!


Press Release (13/10/11)
By Atnel Pemberton - Sweet Sounds"Drum It Up"

St. Kitts Department of Culture
Research & Documentation Unit
Email: stkittsculture@gmail.com
Tel: (869) 467-1396

Thursday, November 3, 2011

UNESCO SLAVE ROUTE PROJECT ST. KITTS AND NEVIS "LECTURE SERIES & CONSULTATIONS"


On September 14th 2011 Mr. Lloyd Lazar - Chairperson of the "Lecture Series and Consultation" Sub-Committee was welcomed by "UNESCO National Scientific Slave Route Project" Committee Members.  Since then he has been meeting with his Sub-Committee Members; Thelma Richards, Lisa Pistana, Randolph Hamilton, Halstead Byron, Golda Franks and Pierre Liburd to bring an interesting selection of presenters to lecture. 

Leading up to each Lecture consultations will take place with High School Students, then Children in Primary School in both St. Kitts and Nevis.  The first Consultation will be held in St. Kitts at the University of the West Indies on Thursday November 3rd 2011, former Governor General and Historian Sir Probyn Inniss will discus the theme "Decolonization of the African Mind - An Imperative to the Future" with High School students. A different person will present in Nevis at the Red Cross Building.

As part of a Global initiative by UNESCO to recognize sites and places of memory linked to the transatlantic slave trade, St. Kitts and Nevis National Commission for UNESCO and members of the UNESCO National Scientific Slave Route Project began executing  the following activities in April 2011 to sensitize the public; 

Researcher Leonard Stapleton is compiling an Inventory of Slave Sites in St. Kitts and Nevis, which will be identified on a Map, Chairperson Michael Blake is working with Committee Members to create a booklet about local Black History and the experience of slavery in St. Kitts and Nevis in anticipation of it being used as a teaching tool, and a Teacher's Workshop will be held to empower teachers to use materials of local history supported by site trips to impart more value in the learning experience for their students.
Press Release (03/11/11)
St. Kitts Department of Culture
Research & Documentation Unit
"Student Consultations" UNESCO Slave Route Project
Email: stkittsculture@gmail.com
Tel: (869) 467-1396

Monday, October 24, 2011

TAIWANESE ALL FEMALE ORCHESTRA "MUSOU BAND" PERFORMS AT THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN CENTRAL BAND ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 30TH 2011



On Sunday October 30th 2011 at 7:00pm the all female Orchestra “Musou Band“ from the Republic of China (Taiwan) will perform at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.  

Members of the “Musou Band” are scheduled to arrive in St. Kitts and Nevis for the first time at the Robert Llewllyn Bradshaw International Airport on Friday October 28th at 10:00pm and will be received by the office of resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) His Excellency Li-Jay Tsao.

"Musou Band" was founded in 2008 with the help of Liu Shueh-shuan, an assistant professor of traditional Chinese music at Chinese Cultural University.  They have been traveling extensively in Taiwan and all over the world.  Now, they will be sharing their traditional culture and music with the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.





INTERNET LINKS:



Video:



Articles:




Press Release (24/10/11)
St. Kitts Department of Culture
Research & Documentation Unit
"Musou Band" Performs at Eastern Caribbean Central Bank
Tel: (869) 467-1396

"BUSINESS OF MUSIC INDUSTRY SKN WORKSHOP" OCT. 29TH 2011 ST. KITTS DEPT. OF CULTURE & UNESCO NATIONAL COMMISSION

The St. Kitts Department of Culture in collaboration with the UNESCO National Commission is hosting a workshop entitled "Business of the Music Industry SKN" with Warren Cassell, Attorney at Law specializing in Intellectual Property, Media, Entertainment and Sports Law, Saturday October 29th at "Sweet Lime-Mapau" located at Port Zante 9:30am - 4:00pm.

ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST REGISTER AT ST. KITTS DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE TO CONFIRM THEIR ATTENDANCE AND SECURE A SPOT AT THE WORKSHOP BY WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 26TH 2011 4:00PM. LIMITED SEATS ARE AVAILABLE!

This workshop is an extension of the activities executed by the Advisory Committee for the St.Kitts and Nevis National Cultural Policy funded by the UNESCO National Commission to inform Artists and Practitioners who provide support services in the Music Industry about best practices.

"This long- awaited and timely initiative is designed to empower you with a working knowledge of critical areas in the music business such as Agreements used in the music industry, music publishing and right of publicity.

It is with this in mind, that I extend an invitation and urge you to make use of this great opportunity to build your capacity by arming yourself with the knowledge to avoid exploitation and the pitfalls of the music entertainment business".  Creighton Pencheon-Director of Culture


Warren Cassell is an Attorney at law specializing in intellectual Property, Media law, Entertainment and Sports law.  He is the founder of Cassell & Lewis formerly "Cassell Law" the Eastern Caribbean's only full-serviced intellectual property law firm.  Mr. Cassell attended University of the West indies where he obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1998.  In 2003 he graduated from the Golden Gate University in San Francisco, California with a Masters of Law (LL.N) in Intellectual Property focusing on entertainment and sports law.  His experience and qualification has equipped him with tools to provide a significant number of clients in the creative industries, with a unique perspective on intellectual property issues on which he is consulted.  Mr. Cassell served for two years (2003-2005) as the exclusive agent for the Performing Rights Society (PRS) in the Eastern Caribbean.  In 2004 to 2006 he served as a legal adviser to Antigua & Barbuda's Carnival Development Committee Board.  During that same period he was manager to Soca Diva Claudette Peters and the band Taxik.

LINKS


Press Release (24/10/11)
St. Kitts Department of Culture
Research & Documentation Unit
"Business of the Music Industry Workshop"
Tel: (869) 467-1396




Tuesday, August 23, 2011

ST. KITTS-NEVIS NATIONAL CULTURAL POLICY LAUNCH HIGHLIGHTS


St. Kitts and Nevis continues the process of moving Towards a National Cultural Policy with Consultations facilitated by the St. Kitts-Nevis Departments of Culture in collaboration with UNESCO National Commission.  The Consultation process began On Tuesday June 22nd 2010 with the arrival of consultant Sydney Bartley - Director of Culture in the Ministry of Education,Youth and Culture in Jamaica and will continue with various stakeholders on Monday August 22nd to Saturday August 27th 2011.


The process has been fueled by the UNESCO National Commission in collaboration with Advisory Committee Members who have been working behind the scenes to sensitize the public about development of the National Cultural Policy and organizing the upcoming consultations that will be held with St. Kitts and Nevis Ministries of Education, Tourism, Foreign Trade, Nevis National Cultural Foundation, the Carnival Committee, the Artistic and Music Community, Youth Organizations, Religious Groups and the public.


On June 14th 2011 St. Kitts and Nevis Launched the National Cultural Policy at the Eastern Central Caribbean Bank in Bird Rock St. Kitts.  The audience was invited by Master of Ceremonies Sharon Rattan - Permanent Secretary for St. Kitts Department of Culture, to join her in the National Museum re-created on stage, to learn about the importance of having a Cultural Policy.  Speeches from the Honorable Marcella Liburd - Minister of Culture, Antonio Maynard - Secretary General for UNESCO National Commission, Honorable Nigel Carty Minister of Education with responsibility for UNESCO and Honorable Hensley Daniel Nevis Minister of Culture were interspersed with a number of theatrical and cultural presentations.  


In February 2010 Ms. himalchuli Gurung - Program Specialist for Culture UNESCO Kingston Cluster Office met with Antonio Maynard, Secretary General for St. Kitts-Nevis National Commission for UNESCO, Sharon Rattan - Permanent Secretary for St. Kitts Department of Culture and Creighton Pencheon - Director of St. Kitts Department of Culture to inform them that UNESCO's Participation is in full support of funding the establishment of a National Cultural Policy for St. Kitts and Nevis. 


Since then, the move "Towards a National Cultural Policy" for St. Kitts and Nevis has seen the creation of a National Advisory Committee that consists of a variety of representatives some from the National Trust, Brimstone Hill Fortress, Ministry of Education, the National Archives, Department of Culture and different stakeholders from both St. Kitts and Nevis.


This week the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the UNESCO National Commission invites all interested persons in our community to attend a number of important meetings with Mr. Sydney Bartley a consultant from Jamaica who is expected to meet with persons involved in Fashion Design, Heritage preservation, Visual, Dance, Drama Literary and Culinary Arts on Tuesday 23rd August at 2:00pm at the NEMA building, then later that same afternoon at 5:00pm he will meet all persons involved in music. Then on Wednesday 24th August at 6:00pm he will meet with persons at a town hall meeting at the Anglican Church Hall, Sandy Point.  On Thursday August 25th and Friday August 26th Mr. Bartley will be visiting stakeholders in Nevis.

Check the following link for photographs from the consultations 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Kitts-Department-of-Culture/117273781646746?sk=photos

Press Release (22/08/11)
St. Kitts Department of Culture
Research & Documentation Unit
St. Kitts-Nevis National Cultural Policy