Nine Mornings launch a blast

“Watch a crowd!”

Those were the words of Minister of Culture Cecil McKie in describing the gathering at the launch of the 14th Nine Mornings festival, Sunday at Heritage Square.{{more}}

McKie, who officially declared the festival open, said the turnout is testimony of Vincentians’ support for the activity.

“What a wonderful parade we had around Kingstown. We are gathered here at Heritage Square in our thousands. We look back years ago of the revival of the Nine Mornings activities and we can say that this is indeed a unique Vincentian tradition,” McKie said.

The event began at 6 p.m. with a street parade, with hundreds of persons marching to the music of the Police Force and Cadet Bands and “boum” drums from Rose Bank, Stubbs, and CW Prescod and Brighton primary schools.

This was followed by a short opening ceremony that featured Christmas greetings from Lennox Bowman, deputy chair of the Nine Mornings committee, as well as representatives from corporate sponsors of the festival, the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and VINLEC.

Both Tamara Job of VINLEC and Anthony Denny of the NLA said their companies are pleased to be associated the unique tradition.

Meanwhile, Bowman thanked the gathering for supporting the festival over the years and commended them for their continued patronage.

“This would not have happen without your input. We were able to revive a flagging festival because the people had Nine Mornings in us. And I want to first and foremost thank all the persons in the various communities who come together to light up the communities, to have concerts and to do what we do best at Nine Mornings and keep the festival going,” Bowman added.

Reverend Alvin Walker of the Kingdom Life Ministries did a prayer and exhortation for the nation.

Walker reminded person not to forget about the true meaning of Christmas — the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

A varied cultural package climaxed the evening’s activities, with performances, including from Carlton “CP” Hall, Voices of Victory, La Gracia Dancers, Gideon James, The Bowmans, Shaunelle McKenzie, Elite Steel Orchestra.

One of the highlights of Sunday’s launch was former Minister of Culture, René Baptiste’s rendition of “Oh Holy Night”.

Senator Elvis Charles, Minister of Health Clayton Burgin, and Tourism Minister McKie accompanied her.

During the performance, Burgin got down on his knees as he and his parliamentary colleagues sang their hearts out.

His actions received a loud applause from the crowd.

This year’s Nine Mornings festival is being held under the theme: “Celebrating a Unique Vincentian Tradition”.