Nine Mornings kicks off!

THE 2009 Nine Mornings Festival was officially launched on Sunday, November 29, at the Chamber of Commerce Car Park.{{more}}

The festival, which is being organized by the Ministry of Culture and the Nine Mornings Committee, is being held under the theme “Celebrating a unique tradition”.

For the launch, persons gathered just outside the car park, holding candles, then marched around Kingstown and regrouped at the car park for the concert. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the atmosphere, especially the younger ones, who flocked front stage to take in some of the night’s action.

Treasurer of the Nine Mornings Committee Lennox Bowman said that the festival has become an important part of our culture and that persons must continue to come out each year and support the calendar of events for the entire month.

Christmas came more than early for the committee as the St Vincent Electricity Services (VINLEC) donated $20,000 towards the festivities and the National Lotteries Authority presented a cheque for $125,000.

Addressing the concert, Minister of Culture René Baptiste said that the one of a kind festival has gained worldwide recognition and is something that should be cherished.

Sharing good news, Baptiste mentioned that popular American television morning show, Good Morning America, popular Canadian show the Chris Robinson Travel Show, and Roamin TV show will be covering the nine morning festivities. “We want the rest of the world to see how we in St Vincent celebrate the birthday of Christ,” she stated.

Baptiste also announced that the ministry is seeking permission to issue a postage stamp in honour of St Vincent’s pioneer in Christmas lighting decorations, Kenneth Ash. She added that another stamp will be produced in honour of a group called the Nine Mornings Kids.

Performances on the night included: The Methodist Dramatists who re-enacted the Nativity of Jesus Christ, Fidel Taylor and the New Generation Gospel Band, Cantemus, C.W.Prescod Primary School Dancers, Voices of Victory, Brighton Methodist School Dancers, Diadem Dancers, Murray’s Village Youth in Christ, La Gracia Dance Company, Renaissance Dancers, Arabesque Dancers, Rolly Bowman, Lennox Bowman, New Life Ambassadors and the Sion Hill Mission Dancers.

However, it was Carlton “CP” Hall who had the children eating out his hands. As he belted out some of his classic Christmas Parang songs, the mouthwatering candy tossed into the crowd saw the children having the time of their lives.

The nine days of activities before Christmas kick off on December 16, at 4 a.m., on Bay Street.(KW)