Move over Carnival, it’s Nine Mornings!

The Christmas season has surpassed June and July in terms of visitor arrivals recorded in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Chairman of the Nine Mornings committee Michael Peters is convinced that the “unique Vincentian celebration”, that is, Nine Mornings, now in its ninth year, is a key reason for this shift in the arrival pattern.{{more}}

At a media launch held on Tuesday, November 27th , at the Ministry of Culture’s conference room, Peters expressed satisfaction with how the festival has been developing, and looked forward to a bigger, brighter, even more exciting Nine Mornings celebration this year.

Peters’ assessment of Nine Mornings seem to be well on target with international opinion as the popular Travel Channel voted St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Nine Mornings festivity as the best Christmas celebration, during it’s one hour long programme entitled “Christmas fun in the Sun” , which will next air on December 4th at 4pm.

Peters said that it is crucial that the country takes advantage of the growth of the festival, and make sure it is nurtured and matured.

Meanwhile treasurer of the Nine Mornings committee Lennox Bowman encouraged persons to visit the rural communities’ Nine Mornings activities.

“Until you go into the rural communities you have not experienced the best of Nine Mornings,” he said.

Bowman stressed the need for encouraging small communities to get involved, and challenged small businesses in these communities to do their part.

Over 65 communities are expected to take part in the festivities.

The corporate citizens have certainly been doing theirs, and this year is no different.

St Vincent Electricity Services (VINLEC), DIGICEL, SOL Agency, and the National Commercial Bank (NCB) contributed $20,000, $15,000, $10,000, and $4000 respectively to the cause of the $240,000 festival.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture Andreas Wickham thanked the committee members and the corporate partners for their support of the festival over the years, and agreed that it is evolving into being one of the major drawing cards in the tourism industry.

The celebrations will be officially launched on December 2, with a candlelight street parade and concert at Heritage Square.

Last year’s “Best Nine Mornings Community” winner Carriere presented an outline of what they have planned for this year, along with last year’s “Best Christmas Community” winner Rose Bank. The New Grounds Community, a powerhouse in the community light up competition also presented an outline of their plans for the season.

Veteran calypsoian Glenroy “Sulle” Caesar used the opportunity to launch another catchy calypso dedicated to the Nine Mornings festival.

The festival’s theme song “It’s Nine Mornings” was also written and sung by him. (KJ)