Happy 23 to St. Paul’s J’ouvert

The 23rd edition of the annual YA-SoSo St. Paul’s Whit Monday J’ouvert lived up to its reputation as the nation’s best community J’ouvert, with thousands jamming through the streets of Liberta.

One reveler described the incident-free event as’ off the chain. ‘ Yet another thanked the area MP, Hon. E.P. Chet Greene, for what he explained is an annual community staple and the best payday for scores of communities and other vendors who look forward each year to the sweet strains of music and the thousands who enjoy the pre-carnival festivities.

Among the vendors who look forward to the Whit Monday jump-up every year is the membership of the St. Barnabas Anglican Church, who use the occasion to raise funds in support of the church’s community work by selling breakfast.

One member who asked to remain anonymous expressed thanks to ‘our MP, who continues to create opportunities for his community, including the church. We pray God continues to bless him.’

Already plans have begun for 2025, and Conliffe Phillip, one of the organizers, said, ‘this is more than a J’ouvert, it is a community expression of love and solidarity….an annual occasion where St. Paul’s opens up to the nation and the world. We thank all participants and plan a bigger and better event next year.’

Now that Sir Oungku and his Red Hott Flames have left Liberta, the annual event swings into another gear with a food fair, live band music and merriment at the popular YA-SoSo Corner which is also home to the St. Paul’s Empowerment Center, Black Eagle Steelband, Shades of Greene Executive Suites and Antigua and Barbuda’s foremost morning radio station, WTP-93.5/93.7 media network