Remarks by the Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Launch of Red Cross Kiddies Carnival

10 January 2019

It is my honour to deliver remarks on behalf of Dr. the Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts, at this morning’s launch of the 2019 edition of the Red Cross Kiddies Carnival.

Carnival is the world’s biggest eruption of colour and artistic expression. It becomes an extraordinary event when our children, with their innocence and heightened sense of wonder and enthusiasm, bedeck themselves in the creations of our mas experts and dance free of inhibitions.

The Red Cross Kiddies Carnival is one of the most anticipated events of our carnival season. It attracts thousands of patrons each year, with more and more parents seeking to have their children undergo this rite of passage into the carnival revelry.

We at the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts witnessed this passion for children’s mas in 2017, through our Mentoring by the Masters Programme. Children’s mas expert Rosalind Gabriel mentored participants in the art of creating children’s mas costumes, and the final showcase revealed a continued passion for this artform, particularly among our younger generations. This speaks to the potential of youth creativity.

I am certain that the 2019 Red Cross Kiddies Carnival will be nothing short of its spectacular form. I wish the organizers, mas makers, participants and parents and enjoyable experience and may the passion for children’s mas forever reside in your hearts.

I thank you.