SVG Gospel Fest 2012 launched

Great things are in store for persons who attend this year’s SVG Gospel Festival, as the festival celebrates its tenth anniversary.{{more}}

The Coca-Cola SVG Gospel Festival 2012 was launched on Tuesday, February 27, 2012, at the National Insurance Services Training Room. This year’s Gospel Fest will be held under the theme “A Glorious Celebration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Fidel Taylor, Chairman of the SVG Gospel Fest Committee gave praises to God for sustaining the festival over the years, adding that it was only the hand of God and not man that made the festival successful.

“I believe that this festival was raised up by God to fulfill his purposes in SVG,” said Taylor. He added that we need to celebrate the many blessings of God on the nation.

He further stated that the way out of the economic depression felt not only by this country but those worldwide is to get “back to God.” Taylor added that God will provide for the nation all that it needs to turn things around, if we only humble ourselves and submit to Him.

Taylor announced that several changes will take place in the festival this year. No judging will be done; instead there will be a focus on huge zonal showcases.

The festival which will run from March 31 to April 29 will feature Gospel artists Gerard Placide, Damita Haddon and Jessica Reedy from the USA, and Caribbean artists such as Soul Winners, Papa Das, Miraclettes and Dj Nicholas.

The festival will also feature, for the first time a Gospelymics, a day of sports, fun and fellowship on May 28. Taylor also announced that LOVE FM from St. Lucia will be bringing a contingent of some 200 persons to experience the festival.

Giving brief remarks at the launch, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs Rosita Snagg stated that Gospel Fest is about making a Joyful noise onto the Lord. She added that we have become a nation that rejoices for other things, and that “I don’t think that we have been rejoicing for the Lord as we should.”

Snagg added that Gospel Fest encourages the nation to rejoice in the Lord and also exposes the creativity of persons both young and old.

Cultural Officer in the Ministry of Culture Anthony Theobalds stated the festival highlights the fact that our country is largely a Christian society. He added that the Ministry of Culture will continue to lend its support to the Gospel Fest committee.

The launching ceremony also saw the sponsors offering brief remarks, expressing their delight to be partnered with the SVG Gospel Festival and the Committee. The committee welcomed on board its new corporate sponsor the SVG Brewery Limited.(OS)