Celebration of cultures in Montserrat Red Cross 'Togetherness Show'

This year’s third annual “Togetherness Show”, held on 20th May, was a great success, despite the volcanic events of that morning. 
 
The show followed a similar format to previous years – a celebration of the cultures and national costumes from the different islands and countries of the many people who now live together on Montserrat.

Elizabeth Piper-Wade, a First Aider, served as MC for the evening’s proceedings, and Joseph Lynch, Chairman of the Montserrat Red Cross, welcomed everyone and made a short introduction.

Pat Ryan, a local songwriter and calypsonian, was first on stage with two songs that set the mood.

This was followed by a short statement of the Red Cross Principles, each led by one of the participants.  These were:

• Roberta Samuels – Dominica
• Keithania Thomas – Montserrat
• Karishma Dhera – India
• Shauntelle Blake – Africa
• Marisa Halley – Guyana
• Maxine Lee – Antigua
• Jacqueline Campbell – Jamaica

Musician Andre West and past Calypso Monarch Sylvina ‘Kandie’ Malone, entertained with some lovely music as the participants prepared themselves for the next part of the show - a display of their national dress, and a short ‘talent presentation’ appropriate for the country they were representing. 

They would be escorted onto the stage by little Khari Irish, who was proudly dressed in his Montserrat costume of black trousers, white shirt, green waistcoat, and matching bow tie and cummerbund in the national fabric. 

Rose Willock, a radio broadcaster and commentator, gave some background information on each dress and the country represented.

Roberta Samuels, representing Dominica, was first, wearing a beautiful red, green, gold, and white dress with matching head dress.  Roberta did a traditional song and dance.

Little Errol James, already a seasoned Junior Calypsonian, sang an excellent rendition of ‘Dance with My Father’, which was well appreciated by the crowd.

Keithania Thomas and Tori Greenaway came out wearing the green, white and orange national dress of Montserrat.  The latter sang of how proud she was to wear the Montserrat colours.

Karishma Dhera, representing India, modelled a blue and white shalwar-kameer with lots of matching accessories.  Pooja Valechha, wearing a gold sari and matching accessories, danced a traditional Indian dance.

We were entertained by renowned Calypsonian (and teacher) Kelvin ‘Tabu’ Duberry.
Shauntelle Blake, wearing a dark blue African skirt suit and beautiful matching head wrap was next, performing a traditional African dance.

Guyana was represented by Marisa Halley, wearing all the colours of the flag of Guyana -red, black, gold, white, and green.  After a very quick change, she performed an energetic dance with lots of swirling of her dress.

Maxine Lee, the last of the participants, represented Antigua.  She wore traditional dress of red and green, with a white apron, and sang a traditional Antiguan calypso.

The poem “Woman Bad” performed by Rondell Grant, brought the curtain down on a very entertaining evening’s proceedings. 

The participants returned to the stage in their national dress to be serenaded by Errol James, and then they were presented with tokens of appreciation by the First Aiders.  Mr Joseph Lynch delivered the Vote of Thanks.

Traditional foods from each of the countries represented was available (made by participants and the First Aiders), and the audience was encouraged to sample and purchase the food while they were being entertained by the musicians.