(Photo Caption – Left to Right: Director of Culture Troy Mills, Kaila Powell, Shakeen Brown and Taji Hamilton)

Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 17, 2015 (SKNIS): The Department of Culture has contributed US $1000 each to three dancers from the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) to aid in the advancement of their skills at the Edna Manely College of Visual and Performing Arts in Jamaica.

Students Shakeen Brown, Taji Hamilton and Kaila Powell are all part of the Performing Arts programme at CFBC.

This has been a significant moment in the Department of Culture stated Director of the Department Troy Mills while presenting the checks.

“This [performing arts programme] has been in place from about 2001. This will bring the number to about 15 students we have been contributing to over the past few years. We are really excited about it.”
The director stated that the federation will greatly benefit from the students venturing off to study and perfect their craft as dance plays an integral role in the country’s culture and is a significant aspect of its history.

He added that the students stand as role models to teach other youth when they return to the federation. Mr. Mills further noted that “it is always great to see the young people try to elevate themselves.”

Kaila Powell thanked the ministry for its contribution.

“The Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College Performing Arts students are extremely grateful for this financial contribution made by the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture,” she said. “We have been afforded this invaluable opportunity to expand our dance knowledge and to enhance our skills in dance. On our return we home to impart our knowledge to fellow dancers, especially the youth, and further contribute to the performing arts industry here in St. Kitts and Nevis.”

Mr. Mills expressed his confidence that the three dancers will represent the country well.