Feel da beats, hear da rythm and move your body!

Beaches, sunsets, beauty, relaxation, culture, MUSIC, and fun all come to mind when thinking of Nevis West Indies.

Nevis culture is definately one of a kind and since the days of slavery, folk dances and folk music have been a part of almost all island life. When the field workers on plantaions were given free time for leisure activities, they would often sing to lighten moods. Nevis music is very distinguishable.

After slavery dissappeared, music still remained at the heart of the island dwellers. Then came along Culturama, an annual cultural festival held each summer since 1974. Things like traditional folk dances, such as the masquerade, the mocko-jumbies that walk on stilts, cowboys and indians, and plait the ribbon, a the may pole dance can all be witnessed during this week long event.

Big Drum, the String Band, Steel Pan and Calypso music play a HUGE role in Nevis culture. These are the most popular genres of music found and enjoyed in Nevis. Big Drum, is African originated. It consists of a bass, kettle drums and fife. The string band or “scratch band,” consists of around 10 musicians.

There are currently three string bands on Nevis Island. They entertain on the island at hotels, and at events like weddings. Nevis youth is learning to play the instruments in primary school, and some of the bands have younger members to keep the tradition alive. Kaiso contests are also very popular.

VON 895 RADIO became the island’s first radio station on June 18, 1988. This event was witnessed by hundreds of residents and visitors, including over 250 residents of the British Virgin Islands, the wider Caribbean and the United States.

WINN FM 98.9 caters to St. Kitts and Nevis. They provide “local, Caribbean and International Programming, to contribute meaningfully to the information, awareness and the development of our nation and the region through the building of educated and informed communities.”

Tune in and listen to those stations if you are curious and check out some types of music to get you in the island mind set…

Nevis Lover ~ Becca Briley

Even though it is celebrated mostly in the United States and Canada, Nevis West Indies recognizes the month of February as Black History month as well.

This month is all about celebrating amazing African Americans that have influenced society in very positive ways. A man by the name of Hanzel Fitzroy Manners has had a major influence in Nevis Culture. “I think it is correct to say that I am several things. The author/poet thing is really just peripheral,” he said.

Hanzel is credited with writing the words of the Charlestown Secondary School Song, Industria et Virtute as well as the words and music to the folk song, Nevis Lovely Nevis. He also wrote the book “Bamboo Shay: A Collection of Short Stories of Nevis,” among other works.

SKNvibes provides his background:

Hanzel Fitzroy Manners was born in Hull Ground, Gingerland, Nevis in 1944. He received his early education at the Gingerland Boys’ School, the Gingerland Senior School, the Charlestown Secondary School and, since there were no sixth form schools in Nevis, the St. Kitts-Nevis Grammar School.

Hanzel said: “There weren’t many teaching positions around. Nevis didn’t have its own constitution at that time. It was one education system so you could be placed anywhere. I wasn’t happy because I wanted to be back in Nevis, but I enjoyed it.”

“It appeared to me that a degree in Economics and History would not take me where I thought I wanted to be, so I started looking around for something else to study.”

“The real reason however was, unknown to other people, I was well into my studies towards being a chartered accountant and had decided it was time to break.”

He spent five years at the firm in St. Kitts and it was during that time he journeyed to England to pursue his dream.

“For me as a teacher who was not accustomed to that kind of work, it was very interesting. Going to work five weeks of day and five weeks of night, that is the other part that intrigued me.”

“I learned a lot from that and that experience will stay with me until I die,” he said.

He returned to the Federation in 1981 and qualified as a CPA in 1982.

“I think I would have made a great musician,” he said.

As a young man he helped established the Delta Youth Club in Gingerland and wrote the Charlestown Secondary School song as a 16-year-old in 1960. Nevis Lovely Nevis was produced in 1974 but Manners lists “Bamboo Shay: A Collection of Short Stories of Nevis” as his biggest contribution to the arts. He said it took a lot of effort because short stories have to be really good in order to keep the reader’s interest.

Manners also has a diploma in theology, along with his wife Annette, and is part of the prison ministry at his church. He justifies his continuous studies by saying he is someone who does not like to waste time. Thus, he has not put down his pen as yet, but plans to continue writing poetry and at least one other book.

He has been honored twice, by the Department of Culture and, last year, by the Public Library.

He has done much and it sounds he is not nearly done. In honor of a Nevis leader.

Check out information on Black History month if interested.

Nevis Lover ~ Becca Briley

Reclaiming Our Roots: Our Environment, Our Heritage, Our People. This is the slogan of the celebration.

The annual History and Heritage Week of Activities is here! Today marks the week that will be filled of fun and celbration for the history and rich heritage of the sister islands of St. Kitts and Nevis.

So, what is the line up of activites for today February 15, 2009?

Open Day begins at the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park at 2:30 pm.
The Ecumenical Service is at the Antioch Baptist Church, St. Kitts at 5:00 pm.
The Official Launch by Hon. Prime Minister with an address on ZIZ Radio/Television is at 6:55 pm.
The Program Launch in Nevis is at the Alberta Payne Centre at 7:00 pm.

Chair of the History and Heritage Week Committee, Sir Probyn Inniss said that:

It seeks to promote and encourage participation in and awareness of the history and heritage of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis among its citizens by partnering with other organizations and individuals in promoting various activities.

The celebrations will continue on all week long and many events are scheduled to be held.

Monday 16, 2009 entails:

A discussion at 8:30 am on WINN FM’s Breakfast with Toni show.
An Open Day at the National Museum (Old treasury) starting at 9:00 am.
The Preliminary Round of the Primary Schools Quiz at 10:30 am.
A live Panel Discussion on ZIZ Radio and Television at 9: 00 pm.

On Tuesday 17, 2009:

The prominent Dominican and Caribbean historian, Dr. Lennox Honychurch speaks to fifth and sixth formers of the schools in Nevis at 10: 00 am.
As well as a panel discussion on Choice FM at 7: 00 pm.

Wednesday 18, 2009 constists of:

Dr. Honychurch will speak to fifth formers of high schools and the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College in St. Kitts ‘Reclaiming Our Heritage’ Presentation at Ocean View Hotel, Nevis and a lecture by Dr. Lennox Honychurch at the UWI Centre, St. Kitts.

Other activities include the Finals of the Primary Schools Quiz, a workshop/symposium for History and Social Studies Teachers and a Food Fair and Exhibition at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC).

Next Saturday 21, 2009 will include:

A History and Heritage Hike to Wingfield, St. Kitts
The Closing Ceremony & Awards at Pinney’s Beach Hotel in Nevis and another Open Day at Brimstone Fortress National Park.

On Sunday 22, 2009 it’s a Community Get-together at the Cayon Community Centre

A TV Broadcast of Finals of Primary Schools Quiz on Monday 23 and a CFBC “Back to Roots” Culture Pageant at Carnival Village, St. Kitts on Saturday 28, 2009.

There is so much fun to be had this week! So, if you will be in Nevis West Indies, attend an event of two. If you are looing for where to Stay in NEVIS check out:
Nevis Hotels
Nevis Resorts
Nevis Villas

The Endless Fun to be had in NEVIS is all here :Tripadvisor.com

Nevis Island Lover ~ Becca Briley

What: Botanical Garden of Nevis
Where: Montpelier Estate - Charlestown, Nevis West Indies
When to Visit: Monday through Friday: 9am - 5pm

The Beginning: A Philadelphia businessman, Joseph Murphy, decided to build a botanical garden a few years ago on beautiful Nevis Island. His goal was to create the finest in the Caribbean; he did just that.

This delightful garden is located on a hill with beautiful vistas of the entire Island of Nevis. It was originally slotted to be the site for his house; luckily, he had a change of heart.

The Botanical Garden is divided into several sections for orchids, cactus, palms, bamboo, fruit trees and hundreds of other varieties. A fantastic replica of a West Indian house serves as the garden’s center where you can find a gift shop and tearoom restaurant.

This Rainforest Conservatory offers an exciting adventure. It provides a variety of colorful flora as you discover them one by one through ruins of a lost temple. Sacred sculptures and waterfalls provide the perfect aumbiance for such an exploration.

View Nevis Photos and Garden Images HERE! Read about Garden Center and Landscaping Services HERE!

Inquire about holding PRIVATE EVENTS AT THE BOTANICAL GARDENS as well. They can host weddings, receptions and parties of all sorts, providing cakes, decorations, entertainment and photography. It really is a gorgeous place to consider hosting an Nevis Island celebration.

If you headed for a Nevis Vacation and would like to inquire about their services, contact them HERE
OR at (869)469-2673 or (869)469-3509 OR email: info@botanicalgardennevis.com

Hope I could Help!

Nevis Lover ~ Becca Briley