As most are aware, Culturama 2009 is less than two months away now, and many Nevis Island dwellers as well as tourists are looking forward to the beautiful festival and fun events.

That’s right, it’s coming up! So, for those who don’t know exactly what it is… here is a brief breakdown. Culturama was first held in 1974. It is an annual festival, two-weeks long, which takes place around Emancipation Day (the first Monday in August).

This celebrates the emancipation of slaves in the 1830s. Cultural and class barriers are overcome for a fortnight of entertainment that includes great music, calypso tents, fashion shows, the annual crowning of a new queen, beach parties, live theatre, food and drink events and much more. It is the funnest two weeks in Nevis!

Just recently, the lovely Nevis contestants were chosen for the Culturama Pageant and SKNvibes reported on comments from local island dwellers! This is big doing there, and I am excited to introduce the six Nevis Island beauties.

The beauties, dubbed the Sensational Six, were presented to the public at a simple ceremony on the Charlestown Waterfront after a motorcade through the town. Weekend Vibes asked Nevisians for their impressions of the six young ladies.

Lakeah said:

I love Tatiana. She is full of talent and beauty. All the girls looked lovely for the launching. I think the show would be competitive. I wish all the girls good luck.

Mrs. Ram said:

It will be a good show because they are six talented girls. It’s going to be a very tough show. Beauty, talent and excitement will be there. I know all the girls personally. They all come to my store and, from interacting with them, I know all of them are intelligent. Best of luck to all of them.

Nicky said:

I think it will be a good show this year because they are well-known fashionable beautiful young girls. I might not know their educational status but if you have to judge by watching them, I will say that they are all intelligent.

Wise (Bush Doctor Micheal) said:

I think that the girls are gorgeous and wonderful. I think that will be one of the best shows ever. Once the girls perform to expectations the show will be great. I am from Rawlins and am rooting for Tamerelle.

Chunky (a.k.a big thing) said:

The girls are nice. I think it’s between Kishsandra and Mika. One has the walk and one has the act: put those with their talent and you will see. I think the show will be great. I will be there, so make sure you are there to experience the show of the year.

Elverene said:

I think the chairperson is a very good person for this event. I give a plus to the committee because all the girls reside in Nevis. The launching was very creative; the girls are full of experience also. More public appearance of the girls should be exposed before the pageant.

Check out the Culturama website HERE. Watch the awesome video. You can also take a look at some beautiful past queens HERE.

If you are planning to take a look on the many Nevis Vacation options you have and join in the colrful celebration in NEVIS, WEST INDIES!

Needing some assistance on finding out where to rest your head in Nevis, check out the many beautiful Nevis Hotels, Nevis Resorts and Nevis Villas where you and your Nevis company can enjoy your stay.

Nevis Lover ~ Becca Briley

Summer is here and it is just about time to book that dream vacation you so desperately need. Well, take delight in knowing that there will be many more ways to get the help you need when booking any Nevis Travel. Why is this you ask. Well, more than 40 travel agents from North America will be of assistance. You will be able to book a delightful Nevis Vacation with very little effort!

The First Annual Travel Agent Symposium took place in St. Kitts just recently and these travel agents attended. This was to ensure that the North American travel agent community is familiar with St. Kitts and Nevis. Travel agents represent the U.S.A., particularly California, Florida, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Virginia. Canada was no stranger as well.

The symposium included training workshops, networking sessions, inspection of properties, an exploration of the sister, Nevis Island, and leisure activities for the travel agents to experience the tourism product of the Federation. It was jointly hosted by the St. Kitts Tourism Authority and the Nevis Tourism Authority.

Rosecita Jeffers, the Chief Executive Officer of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority commented to SKNvibes about the event:

We are expecting top-producing travel agents from key locations in North America. This is a very exciting period for the destination, as it symbolizes our commitment to continuous destination awareness and marketing during these difficult economic times. While on island, the agents will be educated on the different elements of the tourism product with the aim of building destination awareness in order to increase their effectiveness in selling the destination.

Local tourism stakeholders have been extremely supportive of this initiative, and has partnered with the Tourism Authority in ensuring that the on-island experience for the travel agents is a memorable one.

The agents were also presented with certificates at an awards ceremony on Saturday, May 30, 2009.

We will see how these agents can help to boost travel to Nevis West Indies.

Nevis Lover ~ Becca Briley

Who’s in the mood to go out!? What going on in Nevis tonight!?

Well, turn your heads to the House Party at Sunset Beach Bar & Lounge. It kicks off at 6pm and will last all night pretty much! Most beach parties do. Call (869)662-9600 for details.

Check that out and then change it up by heading to Rumours Bar & Grill. Here you can dance your heart and enjoy some delicious cocktails with your island companions and Nevis natives. Call (869)664-2822 for details and directions.

If you are looking for a more low key and romantic spot, check out Fondue Night with Wine Bar at Chrishi Beach Club. For reservations or answers to your questions, call (869)662-3959.

Enjoy the perfect weather in Nevis and unwind as you please.

FYI - Whit Sunday is weekend, followed by Whit Monday, on June 1. It “is the holiday celebrated the day after Pentecost, a movable feast in the Christian calendar. It is movable because it is determined by the date of Easter.”

This is recognized as a public holiday in Nevis, so plan ahead to enjoy the three-day-weekend.

Nevis Lover ~ Becca Briley

Charlestown, Nevis recently celebrated the “Ride Of Silence.” 64 cyclists filled the streets to honor the victims of motorcars across the world and to ask the motorists of Nevis to “Share the Road” with them. This was the Nevis Cycle and Triathlon Club’s fourth Ride of Silence.

The quite ride took place on May 20, 2009 at 6pm on Nevis Island. The ride took them along Samuel Hunkins Drive, around past the Cultural Centre, through the center of town, out to Reliable Motors and back for three loops.

Flyers were specially made and handed out to interested onlookers and motorists who expressed an interest, so the riders to maintain their silence throughout!

SKNVibes reported that the TNCTC representative Winston Crooke said, “This was a very special moment, seeing the mostly very young riders embracing the spirit of the event.”

See Nevis Cycle and Triathlon Club calendar of events for some upcoming races and events.

Some other big news is that the Nevis Cycle and Triathlon Club received cycling uniforms! This was big doings for the island racers. Pro Bike Kit UK Ltd. (PBK) donated 18 junior cycling uniforms. They are so cute!

The president, Gary French was glad to be of service, as he gave them to the Vice President of the St. Kitts/Nevis Triathlon Federation, Winston Crooke.

Crooke said the junior cyclists are currently engaged in a cycling development plan. This includes bike handling, cycling etiquette, road safety and awareness, fitness training, competitive racing and more. The adults aren’t the only ones that enjoy the sport.

The next event that includes Nevis cycling youth will be on June 1, 2009 in the Whit Monday Horse Track race, MTB Adults / Juniors. You can inquire at 469-9682.

Safe Riding Nevis

Becca Briley