As it gets closer to the grand celebration the minds are getting even more curious as to whether or not carnival will be bigger and better this year; whether or not the expectations will be met.
Last year’s carnival celebration, 40/40, in honour of 40 years of keeping tradition and culture alive in St. Kitts, the St. Kitts-National Carnival Committee, went all out to ensure that the Festivities and Pre-Carnival Activities were well organized and memorable. It was indeed so. However, for Grand Parade and Jouvert, the troupes, were not significant in numbers. So how different is it different this year?
It was reported, by the chairperson of the St. Kitts National Carnival Committee, Sylvester Anthony that the number of troupes for this year has increased significantly. A total of 17 troupes were registered; eight (8) Jouvert Troupes and nine (9) Grand Parade troupes.
Registered troupes for Jouvert are, ShiggidyShack Buccaneers, Love Parade, Red Devils- Glow Fete, Banker’s Mas Camp “Member Dis”, Jouvert Animolz, Colours in Fantasy, Madigra Mas Jumbies and Marcela Liburd Troupe, (name to be announced later).
Inferno Mas “Bailamos”, Bankers Mas Camp “Til the Soil”, Fusion Mass Camp “Colours in Fantasy”, Phunn Makers Mass Camp, Fhunn Vibes Mas Band, Solid SKB and Sugar Fantasy, were registered for Grand Parade.
On Thursday 6th December, 2012, the committee met with the troupe owners to confirm participation, address any confronted issues and provided assistance where needed. Mr. Anthony also indicated that a number of troupes have opened their mas camps in and around Basseterre and have started operations.
The newly appointed Chairperson for National Carnival Committee said that despite the challenges and setbacks, the committee has been meeting since August to start planning for this year’s carnival. He also stated that the committee continues to improve its operations and by doing so, they have recently moved into their own office, in the Pelican Mall, where proper planning and organization can be done and at the same time meet with persons and provide a user friendly environment for them to make necessary queries. It is a step forward and we are getting better organized, he added.