Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew cleared the air about water usage during the Christmas J’ouvert and Christmas Carnival celebration. He confirmed that the water that the festival goers used during the J’ouvert and wet-down activities was seawater.
The country has been struggling with freshwater shortage and many communities do not have running water. Many individuals had raised objections to using the scarce resource for wet-down activities during Jouvert at Sugar Mas 52.
The prime minister, who has been monitoring the water availability crisis, acknowledged the objections and called them justified. Additionally, he also shared the explanation provided by the St Kitts and Nevis National Carnival Committee.
The prime minister promised that he and his team are deeply concerned about the ongoing drought and the relative shortage of potable water. He has assured the people of St Kitts and Nevis that SKNNCC has taken an innovative approach to continue the Wet Down Traditions and conserve water.
PM Drew and the National Carnival Committee appreciated the J’ouvert troupes for their innovation in using Sea water and conserving potable water. The prime minister also appreciated the stakeholders for the success of the J’ouvert festivities.
The wet down festivities are an important of the Jouvert Parade celebration. The previous year, the wet down activities were cancelled due to shortage of water. However, this year, the jouvert troupes found a way to continue the festivities while conserving the natural resources.
Acknowledging their efforts, both Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew and the St Kitts and Nevis National Carnival Committee appreciated the participants.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Drew called on the people of the country to continue to do our part and conserve water.
He also reminded the people that the fire services and water department are providing water to the hardest hit areas. The government is supporting the people of the country as they work through the crisis.