2010/2011 CARNIVAL GRAND MARSHALL

2010/2011

CARNIVAL GRAND MARSHALL

by Ava Henry

WHEN THE HISTORY OF OUR FOLKLORE PRACTITIONERS IS WRITTEN, THE NAME JOSEPH VALENTINE “VALON” FRANCIS WILL BE ETCHED INDELIBLY AS ONE OF OUR MOST OUTSTANDING EXPONENT OF THE MASQUERADE ART. AS A MATTER OF FACT WHENEVER YOU MENTION THE NAME “VALON” YOU WOULD AUTOMATICALLY THINK ABOUT THIS ASPECT OF THE FOLKLORE.  IT IS FOR THIS REASON WHY HE HAS BEEN CHOSEN AS THIS YEAR’S NATIONAL CARNIVAL 2010/2011 GRAND MARSHALL.

AT THE AGE OF TWELVE (12) HE  STARTED DANCING MASQUERADE WITH MR RUPERT SAMUEL OF SAMUEL MASQUERADE FAME.  AFTER TEN YEARS HE DECIDED THAT HE HAD GAINED ENOUGH EXPERIENCE TO FORM HIS GROUP AND 36 YEARS LATER HIS GROUP IS STILL VERY MUCH ALIVE.

VALON IS PROUD TO HAVE REPRESENTED THE FEDERATION AT MANY CARIFESTAS AND FESTIVALS IN PLACES SUCH AS CUBA, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, BARBADOS, ST EUSTATIUS, MARTINIQUE AND ST THOMAS.

HE HAS TRAINED MANY OF OUR MASQUERADE DANCERS WHO IN SOME CASES HAVE GONE ON TO FORM GROUPS OF THEIR OWN HERE AND ABROAD.  VALON HAS ENSURED THAT THIS ARTFORM CONTINUES THROUGH HIS CHILDREN WH0 ARE ALL MEMBERS OF HIS TROUPE

THE DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE, THE CARNIVAL COMMITTEE AND THE MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR CULTURE, MS MARCELLA LIBURD SALUTE MR VALON, JOSEPH VALENTINE FRANCIS AS THIS YEAR’S GRAND MARSHALL.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ava Henry, Dance Specialist

St. Kitts Department of Culture

Tel: (869) 467-1387 or 

Email: slims44@msn.com

Check the Following Links;

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=34591&id=117273781646746

http://culturebeat.blip.tv/file/3851574/

FIRST NIGHT A SUCCESS! - IN THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS (06/12/10)

IN THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS started of its five night run with a successful turnout.  The community showed its support and appreciation to the Artists who kept them entertained from 7:30pm - 10:00pm.  A special address given by the Honorable Marcella Liburd, Minister of Culture started the night as she thanked the many persons who contributed to organizing this event.






Then, the air was filled with Christmas songs sang by the staff of "Social Services, Community Development and Community Affairs" .












Followed by the 2010 Talented Teen Contestants

And, Early Childhood Development Sports Club.

A special performance was given by Ms. Rattan, Artistic Director for Vivace Dance Company and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Social Services, Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs









The 2010 National Carnival Queen Contestants made their presence known, by inviting everyone to come and see them at the National Carnival Queen Pageant on December 28th 2010 at Carnival Village.

More entertainment followed with a beautiful song performed by Makilah, Charlie and Lov.

An engaging dance performance by Tameka Richards, Okolo Tegremantine Dancer.

The night ended off with two songs performed by the Tahilah Gospel Band.

IN THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS CONTINUES EVERY NIGHT AT 7:30PM FROM MONDAY DECEMBER 6TH TO FRIDAY DECEMBER 1OTH 2010 IN THE CIRCUS, BASSETERRE ST. KITTS.  BRING THE FAMILY AND JOIN ST. KITTS DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE FOR A NIGHT OF CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT.!

FOR MORE PHOTO'S CHECK OUR FACEBOOK LINK!

Press Release: 07/12/10

St. Kitts Dept. of Culture

Research & Documentation Unit

Marlene Phillips R & D Specialist

869-467-1396

IN THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS AT THE CIRCUS

Monday December 6th 2010 marks the start of "In the Spirit of Christmas" presented by"St. Kitts Department of Culture", as a celebration of Culture, Talent and Community that runs from the 6th to the 10th of December at 'The Circus" in Basseterre St. Kitts.  And all are invited to attend and get into the Spirit!

Since 1995, "In the Spirit of Christmas" has become a National tradition in the Federation of St. Kitts-Nevis bringing together Nationals and Visitors of all ages, spreading love and good will to one another as the Christmas Season approaches.  Each year a committee of dedicated persons give their time and work tirelessly with the Department of Culture to coordinate individuals, community groups and businesses to bring an assortment of music, song, dance, poetry, gospel and performers together into a variety show designed to entertain the public and delight the masses.

The final night is crowned with a special visit from Santa Claus sharing out gifts to children..."In The Spirit of Christmas"!  Join the Department of Culture each night in The Circus, at 7:30pm to enjoy the festivities. (See Program Below)

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Chairperson's: Melnecia Marshall, Captain Kayode Sutton, Pastor Clive Saunders, Nigel Browne

House Band: Tehillah Gospel Band

Stage: Royd Phipps & Ava Henry

Videographer: Marlene Phillips

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
St. Kitts Department of Culture - Creighton Pencheon, Director of Culture (869) 467-1415 or
Kira Purcell Coordinator (869) 465-4040 Ext.147

MONDAY DECEMBER 6TH
Invocation: Pastor Leroy Matthew

Opening Remarks (Minister of Culture)

National Anthem ( Kittitian Superstar Junior) Vakeel Herbert

Sandra Guishard-Weekes Dance Group

Early Childhood Development group (Valerie Dolphin)

Tehillah Gospel Band

Alpha Band

National Carnival Queen Contestants

Talented Teen Contestants

Foreign Affairs

Social Services, Community Development & Gender Affairs

Ministry of Tourism & St. Kitts Tourism Authority

Youth Empowerment, Sports, Information

Queen Anastasia

C-Money

****Sermonette: Pastor Cyprian Williams

TUESDAY DECEMBER 7TH

Antioch Baptist Church

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 8TH

Adrian Scantlebury

Zion Moravian Dancers

Sermonette: Chaplain

Defence Force Band

THURSDAY DECEMBER 9TH

Harowe Servo

Pemberton family

Electrofab

Dance (New Testament church of God) Ingrid Johnson

Sermonette Pastor Carlton Phipps

Andrea Caines Dance group

Coronets Steel Orchestra

HMP Choir

Shakki

Pepper Ranks

N’Salsane Dance Group

Minister LK

Office of the Prime Minister

FRIDAY DECEMBER 10TH

Story Telling (Creighton Pencheon)

Department of culture

Sermonette Pastor Donna Peets

Steven Richards (Steel pan selection)

Distribution of gifts/Santa Clause

Press Release: 01/12/10

St. Kitts Dept. of Culture

Research & Documentation Unit

Marlene Phillips R & D Specialist

869-467-1396

ANNIE FONTAINE TOURS - CULTURE BEAT SKN TV_0016

Click to Play

"Annie Fontaine Tours" is an episode of "Culture Beat" that was directed by Jemoy Dasent", a student who participated in a 30 day workshop entitled "Research & Documentation Itpreneurship" which was funded by the Organization of American States and executed by the National Skills Training Programme in collaboration with St. Kitts Ministry of Culture. Students were assigned the task of producing a mini-documentary. They had to interview a person that had contributed to the Intangible Heritage of St. Kitts-Nevis. They were responsible for organizing and executing the interview, creating a storyboard, inventing questions, directing a Camera crew to document the interview and work with a Video Editor to achieve the end product. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: St. Kitts Department of Culture - Research and Documentation Unit (RDU) - (869) 467-1396 or Email: marlene.phillips@gov.kn or stkittsculture@gmail.com

"CUBA DAY" CELEBRATIONS TODAY (OCT. 21 2010) CARIFESTA VILLAGE, ST. PETERS

St. Kitts Department of Culture collaborates with the Embassy of Cuba St. Kitts to celebrate “Cuba Day” on Cuba Street located in Carifesta Village St. Peters.

 Jorge Payret, Cuban Ambassador explained, “This day is officially celebrated in Cuba on the 20^th October in honour of the first day the Cuban national anthem was played and sung by the Cuban patriots that on October 10^th 1868 incited our independence struggle against the Spanish colonial rule.  10 days later (October 20) in the  city of Bayamo, occupied by the Cuban rebel forces, they played and sung today’s Cuban national anthem”.  

These festivities mark the second St. Kitts Department of Culture S.Y.N.C. (St. Kitts, You, ‘N, Culture)  Event this month, using Performing Arts as the method to unite communities throughout the Federation.   “Together We Can Synchronize Our Community to Improve Our Quality of Life”. (SEE PRESS RELEASE BELOW)

Press Release: 21/10/10

St. Kitts Dept. of Culture

Research & Documentation Unit

Marlene Phillips R & D Specialist

869-467-1396

ST. KITTS DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE BRINGS S.Y.N.C. TO LIME KILN COMMUNITY

Thursday October 14th, 2010 St. Kitts Department of Culture brought S.Y.N.C. "St. Kitts, You 'N Culture" to Lime Kiln Community and was welcomed with open arms.  The Departments vision is to use the Performing Arts as a way to unite communities, generate awareness about social issues and to foster community spirit.

The next S.Y.N.C. Event will be held on Thursday October 21st 2010 on "Cuba Street", located in Carifesta Village St. Peters.  St. Kitts Department of Culture is joining forces with the "Embassy of Cuba in St. Kitts" to celebrate their successful struggle for Cuba's Independence, which began on October 10th 1868 and lasted for more than thirty years.  It is a momentous occasion for Cuban's here and in the diaspora who remember that their National Anthem was played for the very first time in the Cuban City of Bayamo ten days after their struggle began in 1868.  

St. Kitts Department of Culture and the Embassy of Cuba in St. Kitts is inviting everyone in the "Carifesta Village" and neighbouring Community to come out, enjoy the cultural festivities and help them celebrate this great achievement.  For more information contact the Embassy of Cuba in St. Kitts (869) 466-3374

 

  

Press Release: 18/10/10

St. Kitts Department of Culture

Research & Documentation Unit

Marlene Phillips R&D Specialist

869-467-1396

ST. KITTS AND NEVIS NATIONAL CARNIVAL 2009/2010

ST. KITTS AND NEVIS NATIONAL CARNIVAL LAUNCH

SATURDAY OCTOBER 16TH 2010

3:00PM  PARADE STARTS AT WARNER PARK, ENDS AT BANK STREET

6:00PM  CEREMONY  - BANK STREET AT THE CIRCUS BASSETERRE

TOURISM MONTH IS HERE... GET INVOLVED

ST. KITTS-NEVIS CULTURE

SYNC IS COMING TO LIME KILN TODAY!

“SYNC IS COMING TO YOUR COMMUNITY!”

St. Kitts Department of Culture will be coming into your community in an effort to bring people together using Performing Arts as the mechanism to unite.

 SYNC stands for St. Kitts, You, ‘N, Culture—”Together We Can Syncronize Our Community to Improve Our Quality of Life”.

(SEE PRESS RELEASE BELOW)

WHO: Residents of Lime Kiln Community & Surrounding Neighbours

WHAT: “SYNC”  (St. Kitts, You, ‘N, Culture)  Performances By; National Youth Drum Corps,  Okolo Tegremantine Arts Theatre Dancers & Drummers, Dr. Ken Ballantyne – Poetry, Vincent Fough –  Poetry, Samal Duggins ZDan – Singing Song about the Lime Kiln Community, Valon Masquerade, Sports & Sylvester – Kettle & Bass

WHEN: TODAY  - Thursday October 14^th 2010 at 5:30-6:30pm

WHERE: Lime Kiln Community—(In front of Resident Joyce Issacc’s Pink & White House *Ask Your Neighbours…)

S E E   Y O U   T H E R E !

Press Release: 13/10/10

St. Kitts Dept. of Culture

Research & Documentation Unit

Marlene Phillips R & D Specialist

869-467-1396

stkittsneviscarnival

ST. KITTS-NEVIS NATIONAL CARNIVAL LAUNCH - SATURDAY OCTOBER 16TH, 2010

3:00PM  PARADE STARTS AT WARNER PARK, ENDS AT BANK STREET

6:00PM  CEREMONY  - BANK STREET AT THE CIRCUS BASSETERRE

REGISTER WITH ST. KITTS DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE TODAY!

Join St. Kitts Department of Culture Network of Creative people and support the Business of Culture, Arts and Entertainment.

MEMBER BENEFITS

Technical Assistance, Job Opportunities, Artist Directory, Skills Development Workshops,  Mailing List and Promotion on Department of Culture Social Networks.

St. Kitts Department of Culture offers support to people in the Cultural, Entertainment and Tourism Industry.  Register with St. Kitts Department of Culture today and you will have access to many benefits.

· You will be added to the Artist Directory

· You will receive the “Culture Beat—Newsletter”, highlighting cultural activities

· You will receive information about Skill Development Workshops and Job Opportunities

· You will be linked on this site www.culturebeat.blogspot.com and on St. Kitts Department of Culture other Social Networks on the internet;

· www.facebook.com/stkittsculture

· www.myspace.com/stkittsculture

· www.youtube.com/stkittsculture

· www.culturebeat.blip.tv

Join If your are an Artist in the Creative Industries, a Musician/Singer in the Entertainment Industry, a Performer in Theatre/Dance/Folkore, a Writer of Poetry, a Published Author, a Play-write/Screen Writer, Song Writer, Publish a Magazine/Newspaper/Blog, a Film Producer/Director, Set/Stage/Prop Designer, Painter, Photographer, Videographer, Video Editor, Graphics Designer, Heritage Preservationist, Archivist, Art Curator, Stage Manager, Artist Manager, Audio/Video/Lighting Specialist,  Hair Stylist, Make-up Artist, Model, Clothing Stylist or provide support services to the Culture/Creative/Entertainment Industry (eg. Entertainment Lawyer, Intellectual Copyright, Talent Booking Agency, Art Gallery, Museum, etc…)

E-mail us at stkittsculture@gmail.com and Request an “Artist Registration Form”.  Fill out the form and E-Mail it back to us.

Or, pick up a Form at our Office presently located at Port Zante Basseterre St. Kitts behind Pelican Mall.  Walk South towards the Ship Pier, past "Amina Craft Market" and we are upstairs in the First Building on your right.  Fill out the Form, Tear Off the panel and Return us.

"St. Kitts Department of Culture...

Staying  Connected with the Creative Community"

Contact Us: Tel: (869) 467-1415 or E-MAIL: culture@gov.kn or stkittsculture@gmail.com

Press Release: (30/09/10) Marlene Phillips 

Research & Documentation Specialist

St. Kitts Department of Culture

CHRISTINE E. CLARKE – POET, PERFORMS AT THE NEVISIAN ASSOCIATION SIXTH ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY

As many National Events are taking place in the Federation of St. Kitts-Nevis to celebrate twenty-seven years of Independence Christine E. Clarke is taking her pride abroad, as she was invited by “The Nevisian Association of Washington DC (NEV-DC) to perform her poems at Behthesda North Marriott Hotel in Rockville Maryland on September 18^th and 19^th at “The Nevisian Association Sixth Annual Awards Ceremony”.

The Nevisian Association of Washington DC (NEV-DC) "Mission is to promote economic, educational, technological, social and cultural advancement of Nevisians and their descendants, at home and abroad". http://www.nevdc.org/

Christine E. Clarke, a writer for many years, has received many accolades for her poetry.   In 2005 she attended “The International Society of Poets – Symposium and Convention” in Washington D.C. and received an award before eighteen-hundred fellow poets from fifty countries after reading her poetry.  She was inducted as an honorary “International poet of Merit for 2005-2006.” She was awarded a silver bowl trophy and commemorative medallion to honour her poetic dedication and achievements.   She has read her poetry on local Radio stations e.g.: Radio Paradise, ZIZ, WINN FM, Goodwill Radio, Sugar City Rock and Choice Radio, she has performed in churches, at funerals and weddings .  In 2010 Christine has channeled her thoughts and published a book of poetry entitled “Reach Out-Give Praise Poems for Inspiration”.

CB:  I sat down with Christine before she left for Washington to find out how she felt about being invited to perform her poetry at this very prestigious event.

CHRISTINE:  “I feel honored but, first of all I have to thank God for his blessings, for this great opportunity to exhibit my talent.  Also, I feel like an ambassador going forth to promote my country.  I just want to promote my beautiful Federation.  I’m just happy to know that I was given the chance to represent my beautiful - federation”.

CB: Can you give us some insights into the poem that you will be performing at the “The Nevisian Association Sixth Annual Awards Ceremony”?

CHRISITNE:  “I will read a poem after the National Anthem and the raising of the National Flag.  During the performance I will be wearing an outfit that is a reflection of the National Flag and I will also be holding the Flag”.

POEM EXERT:  “MANY ARE THE STRUGGLES WE’VE BEEN THROUGH AND FOR YEARS HAVE BORNE, BUT THE COLOURS OF OUR NATIONAL FLAG SYMBOLIZE THAT FREEDOM HAS COME…”

CHRISITNE:  “MANY ARE THE STRUGGLES WE’VE BEEN THROUGH AND FOR YEARS HAVE BORNE,”  “We personally might not have gone through all the struggles that our forefathers went through, but our forefathers were the one who fought for our independence to liberate us from the slave mentality and let us know that we are free”.

  “… BUT THE COLOURS OF OUR NATIONAL FLAG SYMBOLIZE THAT FREEDOM HAS COME…”  “The flag symbolizes independence.  The colours definitely give a message that when the national flag is being flown it shows something that we can be proud of that we can call our own.”

POEM EXERT:  “OUR MELODIOUS NATIONAL ANTHEM IS SECOND TO NONE,

THE BEST IN THE WORLD, STANDING TALL, ITS’ NUMBER ONE”

CHRISITNE:   “OUR MELODIOUS NATIONAL ANTHEM IS SECOND TO NONE,”  “In my opinion I have never heard another national anthem that is so melodious.  It gives a sense of joy, a sense of pride.”

 “THE BEST IN THE WORLD, STANDING TALL, ITS’ NUMBER ONE”  “In my opinion the words and lyrics catches ones attention. There is such a melody to it that stands out when you hear the trumpets.”

CB:  Have you ever been to Washington before?

CHRISITNE:  “Yes. I traveled to Washington in 2005 where I attended the “International Society of Poets Symposium and Poetry Contest.”

CB:  Did you submit a poem in the competition?

CHRISTINE:  “Yes, I submitted a poem entitled “Be Confident”, which is in the book.  The competition consisted of eleven hundred poets?  I was the only person present from St. Kitts”.

CB:  Did your poem place in the competition?

CHRISITNE:  “I got a trophy for participating.  I also received a silver medal and many souvenirs from the event”.

CB:  What kind of presence was at the “International Society of Poets Symposium and Poetry Contest?”

CHRISTINE:  “There were many international poets present at this event.  Poets from approximately fifty different countries attended”.

CB:  Christine, Thank-you for taking time to chat with us and letting us share in your excitement.  We wish you safe travels and a successful performance!  Let us know how it went when you return.    Send Christine E. Clarke your words of support at Email:  dominion_power@hotmail.com  Christine E. Clarke’s book “Reach Out-Give Praise Poems for Inspiration” can be purchased at the following internet links;

Author House:  www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=67896

Amazon.com:  www.amazon.com/gp/search?index=books&linkCode=qs&keywords=1449069061

Barnes & Noble.com:  http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?r=1&IF=N&EAN=9781449069063&cm_mmc=Google%20Book%20Search-_-k118169-_-j14953980k118169-_-Googe%20Book%20Search%20(non-B%26N%20Imprint)

Books-A-Million: www.booksamillion.com/product/9781449069063

Send Christine E. Clarke your words of support at Email:  dominion_power@hotmail.com

"St. Kitts - Culture Beat" 21/09/10 - St. Kitts Department of Culture
Marlene Phillips - Research & documentation Specialist