(CHARLESTOWN NEVIS)-On Wednesday, December 14, 2016 the popular festival known as ‘Gingerama’ was launched in the village of Rawlins.
This year’s festival will be held under the distinguished patronage of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Freeman.
The theme for this year’s festival is, ‘Reviving our Culture, sustaining our Heritage’.
The event began with the invocation by Mr. Sydney Newton. This was followed by the National Anthem which was done by Chris Hanley.
Chairperson of the ceremony Mr. Antonio Liburd, gave the opening remarks. He noted that it is always a pleasure to be a part of one of the island’s best festivals, Gingerama. Liburd indicated that this year’s festival is bigger than those previous due to the fact that a Queen Pageant has been added to the lineup. He also indicated that the art of blowing fife is dying and young Freeman is currently been coached by Seville Hanley.
Cabinet Secretary in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), Mr. Stedmon Tross, delivered some remarks on behalf of Premier, Hon. Vance Amory. Amory was unable to attend due to other engagements. Tross stated that it was the wishes of the Premier to be present but was not allowed to because he was engaged elsewhere. He indicated that the festival is one that brings people together not just in the parish of St. Georges but throughout the whole of Nevis. In closing, he wished the festival every success and hopes that it will be one free of crime.
Miss Gingerette which is set for Sunday, December 18, will feature four contestants. Zariah Matthew, Alexandra Weekes, Kizara Sutton and Sharesica Browne will be vying for the crown.
The Miss Gingerama Pageant will showcase four girls. Zai Kelly, Theola Vanterpool, Sabrina Orr and Derecia Liburd. This event is set for Friday, December 16 at 8:00pm.
The calypso competition which will commence on Saturday, December 17 will feature eight calypsonians. Hollywood, Sweetis, Prince Akedo, Irwin, Adowa, Princess Kayla, Teejay and Singing Divy.
Entertainment was provided by the Sugar Hill String Band and the Rawlins Young Masquerades.
Chairperson of the Gingerama Committee, Mr. Eric Evelyn also gave the closing remarks and officially opened the festival.