Three awarded for roles in preserving SVG Nine Mornings tradition

The newly formed Vincentian Association of Artists, Writers and Producers has honoured three persons for their significant roles in preserving the Vincentian cultural tradition of Nine Mornings.{{more}}

At the final morning of the 2011 Nine Mornings celebrations, on December 24, at Heritage Square, Kingstown, the organization sigled out Carlton “C.P.” Hall, Michael Peters and Lennox Bowman as “outstanding icons of Vincentian culture”.

The presentations were made by the organisation’s President and Public Relations Officer Rene Baptiste, while Minister of Culture Frederick Stephenson read the citations.

Carlton “C.P.” Hall is a certified teacher and now a senior education officer. He is also a linguist and a former calypso monarch who has several hits in the calypso genre of music. Over the last decade, he has been creating and producing music almost exclusively celebrating the Christmas – vincy style, with such hits as ‘’the Christmas Sweet’’ and ‘’Give a little something’’. “C.P.’’ was singled out among the honorees as a songwriter, artistic performer and producer.

Michael Peters was among the leading lights that ‘rescued’ Nine Mornings which was on ‘’life-support’’ after generations had enjoyed its unique delights, the release from the organization said.

Peters serving in the Ministry of Culture sought ways to revive the tradition and fit it for the new century, to meet the challenge from newer forms of entertainment and interest. He found worthy partners and among them was a former president of the National Youth Council and a former chairman of Carnival Development Corporation, Lennox Bowman.

Peters, who is a poet, cultural researcher and events producer, was singled out for the honour in his role as an events producer, and Lennox Bowman in his capacity of songwriter and producer.

“Bowman is one of this country’s first family of artists and musicians – the Bowmans,” the release said.

He has written over 35 songs on the Christmas and Nine Mornings festival, among them the ever popular ‘’Light-up the country’, the promotion song of the light-up competition for homes, business and communities.

The Vincentian Association of Artists Writers and Producers says it was pleased to have made these presentations, paying tribute to the Vincentians and our cultural traditions.

The Association, which is now 3 months old, said it is keeping true to its mantra of giving due recognition to deserving individuals and organisations based on their record of involvement, participation, dedication and committment to thier particular levels of cultural pursuits and their positive impact on national cultural development.

The Association’s programmes for 2012 will be announced in the New Year, the release said.