Sponsors sure up Gospel Fest 2008

After heaping praise on its organizing committee, Minister of Culture René Baptiste formally opened the month-long Digicel sponsored National Gospel Festival.{{more}}

The launching ceremony, which took place at the Ministry’s conference room on Tuesday, saw key sponsors, Digicel, New Life Ambassadors, Sugar George Rentals and Korean Divine Designs, handing over cheques to the committee.

Baptiste, in her address to those present, applauded the Festival, which is into its sixth year, and called the programme a nation building exercise.

She lauded the committee for the introduction of a Gospel Fest Academy, which according to chairman Fidel Taylor, lends support and training to the raw talent exposed at the Festival.

The Minister admitted that the Festival is growing by leaps and bounds, and challenged the committee to make sure that the praise is heard.

The Festival gets started officially on April 5th at the Victoria Park, with an evening of praise, dance music and comedy.

It runs up until May 10th with the Gospel Awards.

A host of artistes is expected to take the stage at the various activities, with international acts like Bridgette Blucher, Stephen Reeves and the Cuffy Sisters expected to perform.

Taylor reminded all that the Gospel Festival was not a competition, but rather a search for talent.

He indicated that the Organizing Committee is currently working on a number of projects besides the academy. These include a website (www.svggospelfestival.com), a gospel dance showcase, and a Gospel fest recording studio.

The theme of this year’s event is: Get Your Praise On! Psalms 33:1 (JJ)