Opportunities available for contestants and volunteers. As preparations for Culturama unfold, the Festivals Committee invites interested persons to enter in the Miss Culture Swimwear, Mr. Kool, Culture Queen Pageant, and Junior and Senior Kaiso contests. According to the Culturama Committee, a successful contestant into the Culture Queen Pageant is required to be single, ambitious and talented, between the ages of 18 and 25. For entry into the Senior Kaiso competition,each candidate has to 18 years of age or older. The deadline for all applications to be returned is February 28. Persons residing within the federation are eligible for entry into most contests, but only Nevis residents are allowed to enter into the Ms. Culture Queen Pageant and the Senior Kaiso. “There is a policy put in place to allow Nevisians only to enter these two competitions,’said Antonio Liburd, executive director of the Festivals Committee. “This is because we would like Nevis to be represent by a Nevisian at regional competitions.”While Mr. Cool and Miss Culture Swimwear are local competitions, the winners of Senior Kaiso and Ms. Culture Queen go on to compete in shows throughout the Caribbean. The Ms. Culture Queen pageant requires a minimum of six young ladies, which has been reached, but others are still encouraged to sign up and will go through a selection process. In previous years, the committee has had a bit of a struggle in garnering the attention of potential participants, but this year is different. “Usually it is a problem [to get girls], but this year persons are coming,’said Liburd. “Persons have come to collect forms even before the invitation was sent out, even since last year.”Despite not having launched the troupe registration date as yet, troupe organisers are ahead of schedule. “We have not launched a date as yet but at least four persons have indicated an interest: three from last year,”Liburd said. “Last year we had eight adult troupes and six school troupes; this year we’d like to see 14-16 adult troupes and two additional school troupes.”Volunteer opportunities are also available, according to Liburd. “Presently we are looking for volunteers to assist on subcommittees,”he said. “Volunteers are sought to assist with the pageants, Senior Kaiso and to be street marshals during the parades, as there are not enough police officers to be assigned.”Volunteers receive rewards for their efforts. “They can attend all events, gain experience in event planning and organizing, [build] team spirit, and personal development,”Liburd said. Persons interested in volunteering can visit the Festivals Secretariat located on the ground floor of the Cotton Ginnery Mall or can call 469-1992. Interested participants should visit the Festivals Secretariat to collect forms.
