By Lesroy W. Williams Observer Reporter
(Basseterre, St. Kitts) ” “Nuff Rhythm, Plenty Lime” is the official theme of Carnival 2009, which kicked off at the Old Treasury Apron on Dec. 18. Many carnival enthusiasts including scores of young people turned out to witness folklore acts from mocko jumbies and mummies, to see the introduction of pageant contestants and calypsonians and a steel band competition in tribute to Ellie Matt. St. Kitts Carnival is the only carnival in the West Indies that marries the festive spirit of Christmas with the jolly atmosphere of Carnival. Many locals and visitors alike look forward to the cultural celebrations each year. Chairman of the Carnival Committee, Mr. Gus Williams, said that despite the global economic crisis and the criminal activities affecting the Federation, the festival will go on.”” At the opening ceremony, Mr. Dicky Weekes was awarded for his preservation of folklore for playing the sergeant in the bull play for about 25 years. Mr. Colin Bennett of St. Paul’s was awarded for playing the “barhoo” (pipe instrument) for over 27 years while Mr. Carl Queeley was named the Grand Marshall of Carnival 2009.”” A host of activities are in store for this year’s carnival. One of the first major shows was the Miss Big and Beautiful Queen Pageant which kicked off on December 20. Out of six contestants, Sharon Cannonier placed first runner-up, Dalila Tota was crowned queen and Jennifer Williams placed second runner-up. Beenie Man out of Jamaica was down to perform at Carnival Village on December 23 for the Chippie Carnival Madness. On December 26, Boxing Day, the annual J”ouvert will be held. The UDC Talented Teen and Junior Calypso Show will also be held on Boxing Day. On December 27, the Female Calypso Bacchanal and Best of the Rest Show takes off. On Sunday Dec.28, the National Carnival Queen Pageant will be held and on Monday Dec.29, the Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant comes off. “On Tuesday Dec. 30, there is the LIME Calypso Monarch Finals. “On Dec.31, the children take to the streets in the LIME Children’s Carnival Parade. Small Axe and d”Vybes Night of the Stars Old Year’s Ball and Nu Vybes Cream of the Crop Ball happens on Old Year’s night. On Jan.1 there is the Grand Carnival Parade; Jan. 02 you have Las” Lap and Jan.03 there is the New Year’s Reggae Bash.
