Last Updated on December 5, 2023, 8:20 AM AST by Anthony Morris
In a historic moment at Sugar Mas, 52 Calypso Eliminations, the youngest competitor, Calypsonian Kamal, delivered an inspirational performance with a song dedicated to the tragic Christena disaster. The audience was captivated by the emotional resonance of his composition, titled “Christena Honour.“
Kamal’s heartfelt tribute struck a chord, acknowledging the profound impact of the Christena disaster, which claimed the lives of over 233 individuals, predominantly Nevisians. The performance conveyed a solemn reflection on the tragedy that forever changed Nevis and the lack of resolution or compensation from the Bradshaw Labour government responsible for the ferry’s overcrowding.
A prominent social media influencer expressed his view on Kamal’s performance, declaring it as one of the best calypsos ever. The post underscored the significance of addressing the historical negligence.
Kamal’s lyrical delivery highlighted the lasting resentment towards the Bradshaw administration and the unresolved pain experienced by the families affected by the tragedy. The call for compensation echoes the sentiment that honouring the past involves acknowledging and addressing historical wrongs.
As the debate surrounding the allocation of funds for memorials versus compensating affected families continues, Kamal’s performance adds a compelling voice to the ongoing conversation. The suggestion is that the government was supposed to pay the families serves as a call for justice and recognition of the enduring impact of the Christena disaster.
Kamal’s poignant performance not only pays tribute to the lives lost but also sparks a necessary conversation about accountability, justice, and the responsibility of governments to address the consequences of past tragedies.
Some facts about Christena disaster.
- Tragic toll: 57 bodies recovered, 170 missing, 91 survivors (82 men, nine women).
- The cause of the disaster remains undetermined.
- In 2000, Skeete and social worker Hensley Daniel conducted the first Memorial Service at sea.
- In 2001, Vance Amory-led Nevis Island Administration erected the Christena Memorial on Samuel Hunkins Drive.
- In 2011, Joseph Parry-led Nevis Island Administration built a Memorial at Bath Cemetery for 13 persons.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
