Antigua’s Minister of Tourism appoints New Chairperson of the Carnival Development Committee
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – The Hon. Harold Lovell, Antigua’s Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Culture and the Environment with responsibility for Carnival, has appointed Marlon Rawlins as the new Chairperson of the Carnival Development Committee (CDC).
“I am very pleased that Mr. Rawlins who possesses good business acumen coupled with a keen interest in carnival, has accepted my invitation to chair the CDC. I am confident that he will bring to the team the skills, competence, and commitment needed to continue the excellent work of his predecessor and the vision to rejuvenate and add vibrancy to our upcoming Carnival Celebrations.”
Rawlins holds the position of Country Head of RBTT BANK CARIBBEAN LTD. He is the President of the Antigua & Barbuda Bankers’ Association and a Director of the Antigua & Barbuda Chamber of Commerce.
Marlon Rawlins
He has participated extensively in Carnival having amongst other things, served on past Pre-Carnival Activities sub-committees, in addition to managing various mas troupe sections.
Rawlins commented that he hopes to bring to his new position, “a global mindset and perspective, which certainly an event like Carnival needs – to be viewed or steered in a global direction.
“I will continue to build on what we have as a carnival product, taking it to the next level with increased tangible benefits to all Antiguans and Barbudans, and also to strive for maximum participation at all levels”, said the new CDC Chairperson.
The Minister has also appointed 7 other members to the Committee that will be responsible for planning Antigua’s 51st Carnival Celebrations. While 3 new appointees have been named, the other four have held positions on the outgoing committee.
The appointees to the list which include a diverse group of individuals with a wealth of experience both in the business and carnival arena are: Clarence Crump – Deputy Chairman, Patricia Tully, Richard Apparicio, Annette Aflak, Kevin Silston, Jermilla Kirwan, and Michael Freeland.
Appointees are being asked to serve a 2 year term, and will work along with stakeholders from the Calypso, Mas and Pan fraternity.
The Minister with responsibility for Carnival also took the opportunity to thank the outgoing CDC Chairman Neil Cochrane, along with the other members of his team whose tenure came to an end in September 30, 2007, for the level of professionalism in which they executed the 50 th Carnival Celebrations.
