The government has announced 15 additional persons to be accorded the status of cultural and sports ambassadors.
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves made the announcement on Monday during his Independence Address at the Military Parade at Victoria Park to mark the nation’s 35th anniversary of political independence from Britain.
He said the cultural ambassadors are Cecil “Blazer” Williams, Ken Isles, Marlon “Mattafix” Roudette, Elroy “Blondie Bird” Boyd, Julian “Pilling” Pollard, Elroy “Sardo” Sutherland, Rondy “Luta” McIntosh, Orandi “Bomani” Charles, Shaunelle McKenzie, and Shernelle “Skarpyon” Williams.
The sports ambassadors are Dr. Halimah Deshong, Deighton Butler, Stanley “Luxy” Morris, Denis Byam, and Sabrina Mitchell.
“These appointments reaffirm our government’s conviction that culture, the arts, and sports, as well as other uplifting aspects of live and living, are vital to our nation’s well-being and the further ennoblement of our civilisation,” Gonsalves said.
What does this all mean?
What is a cultural ambassador expected to do?
Do we have any reports on what the previous ones have done?
Are there bursaries or payments that go with this role?
Are all of these people aware of their duties?
Please help me, I am so confused, so so confused.
Maybe we should sort out some of the existing diplomatic ambassadors.
For instance, does anyone know how our 35th independence anniversary was marked in the UK?
For that matter does anyone know what the diplomatic staff in the UK do?
Help please.
I suppose they are given diplomatic passports? and will be expected to appear at ULP rallies during election time?