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The 53rd St. Kitts and Nevis National Carnival, Sugar Mas 53, has ended, but its aftermath is rife with controversy as Nevisians express outrage over what they perceive as blatant marginalization in national carnival events. Prominent social media commentator Everton Powell, widely known as “Obi,” joined the chorus of dissatisfaction, using his popular blog to highlight the grievances.

In a fiery post titled “Obi’s Rant,” Powell shared that he has been inundated with messages from Nevisians who feel their island has been systematically shut out of recognition throughout the carnival season.

“Throughout the St. Kitts carnival season, I have been getting lots of messages complaining about Nevis getting cheated,” Powell wrote. “Nevis has been shut out from all wins this year in St. Kitts carnival.”

Accusations of Bias in Competitions

The complaints began with the Junior Calypso Show, where many felt Nevis had been robbed of victory, particularly with a calypso touching on the tragic murder of a 9-year-old boy. Powell noted the shock over a St. Kitts masquerade group being declared winners over Rawlins Masquerade of Nevis, long regarded as the best in the federation.

“I received messages saying, ‘Obi, they cheated Rawlins Masquerade at the masquerade competition by deducting 5 points for dress code.’ I responded in my Douggie voice, ‘Ah say me ass!’”

The Panorama competition intensified the outrage, with Powell posting a video of the Nevis Community Development Steel Orchestra. The group’s powerful rendition of Konris Maynard’s “Take the Oath” earned them first runner-up, but Powell and others believe they deserved the top prize.

“Many Nevisians feel the Nevis Community Development Steel Orchestra was cheated yet again by St. Kitts judges,” Powell declared. “This awesome performance deserved to win.”

Systematic Marginalization

Powell’s critique extended beyond carnival, highlighting what he described as ongoing marginalization of Nevis under the Dr. Terrance Drew administration.

Since the government’s inception, Nevis has seen its status within the federation diminished, Powell argued. He cited the removal of Nevisian ambassadors, the exclusion of Nevisians from the federal cabinet, and the refusal to allocate the island its fair share of Citizenship by Investment (CBI) revenue as key examples.

Powell also pointed to the lack of federal support for major capital projects in Nevis, such as the Alexandra Hospital expansion, as evidence of unequal treatment.

Growing Calls for Fairness

The controversy has fueled widespread calls for fairness and equity in how Nevis is treated within the federation. Many have taken to social media to demand reforms and an end to perceived injustices.

Some Nevisians are even calling for a boycott of future St. Kitts events, including the Panorama competition, unless changes are made to address their concerns.

As the federation moves forward, the fallout from Sugar Mas 53 has reignited debates over the unity and equity of St. Kitts and Nevis, with many questioning whether Nevis will ever receive its fair share.