Nine Mornings gets a big Lotto jump start

This year’s Nine Mornings activities are expected to kick-off with added flare.

To mark the 10th anniversary since the return of the unique Vincentian festival, a number of activities has been planned for the launch on Sunday, November 30, at Heritage Square.{{more}}

Speaking at a press conference at the Ministry of Tourism conference room on Tuesday, November 18, Michael Peters, Chairperson of the National Nine Mornings Committee (NNMC) said this year’s launch will be one with a difference. He divulged that there will be a Christmas Float Parade which will depict some of the traditional aspects of Christmas in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Peters said that there will also be serenading along with 200 drummers, pan around the neck and a candle light street procession. After the procession, a Christmas concert will be held at the Heritage Square with a number of local artistes and groups performing.

Peters is expecting a large turn out from the Vincentian public for this year’s celebration.

“The whole of St Vincent will be there,” he stated.

Minister of Culture René Baptiste said that because of the beauty and love of Christmas, many persons want to be a part of the Nine Mornings festivities because it is based on the spirit of the people. She stated that when she became Culture Minister, she took the deliberate policy position to develop the festival. Describing the event as a “social cohesion which brings the community and country together,” Baptiste said that others cannot duplicate the tradition because it would not have the same “flavour or spirit”.

Anthony Dennie, Product Development Officer at National Lotteries Authority handed over a cheque of $100,000 on their behalf to Treasurer of NNMC Lennox Bowman, while Western Union Office Supervisor Rockel Dickson presented a cheque of $8,000. A representative of Vinlec handed over a cheque of $20,000.

Representatives of Sion Hill, Rose Bank and Carriere Nine Mornings committees used the opportunity to disclose what their communities will be offering for this year’s festival.

The programme of activities for this year’s festival includes competitions for the best lit community, garden, private house and commercial building and Christmas song. (VM)