The Tribune

AS the E Clement Bethel National Arts Festival continues its adjudications in New Providence and throughout the Bahamas, parents have lauded the programme and commended organisers for what they do for their children.

“It’s a good experience,” said Kevin Bethel, who had three sons, St Paul’s Methodist College fifth graders Kyron, Kyle and Kayden, performing together in the festival as part of a larger musical combo.

“We try to lend our support every time they do something and it makes you proud to see them up there. It takes a lot of nerve to go up there and perform,” he said.

Raquel Bethel, the trio’s mother, said: “I love seeing them perform. We’ve been doing this now since they started school.

“We come out every year and it is always a pleasure to not just see my kids perform, but to see all the kids who are so brave.”

Parent Veronica Mader agreed and said that the festival was excellent, especially for her daughter Veronica, a Tabernacle Christian Academy student, who enjoys drama and singing.

“I feel that it is a great thing for them,” said mum. “It motivates them, gives them that boost in their self confidence.”

Keturah Williams, whose son Ke’Andre Thompson performed a musical selection on the trumpet, said: “It’s always a pleasure and a joy to be here and give him that morale support. I feel very pleased to see him up there. The hard work he put into is being displayed.

Ke’Andre said: “I feel happy that she was here. When my parents show up to my performances, it makes me feel more confident.”

Kendith Higgs was busy throughout the adjudications, as her daughters, Corey, 11 and Chelsey, ten, at Maurice E Moore Primary School, took part in all three of the major disciplines of drama, music and dance.

“We truly love it,” Ms Higgs said. “We have been doing the National Arts Festival since they were six years old. This is not new to us. This is something we look forward to every year.”

Kevin Bethel said he applauded students whose performances may not have been strong, because they take a chance going on stage and performing.

“I can’t do it,” he said with a smile.

Mr Bethel said having the festival as an avenue to perform was a great thing. He has been every year his children performed and aims to continue to do so.

“I want to try to support everyone performing,” he said. “They have already performed (for that day) and I am still here watching.

“I think it is great that they do it every year. It is very professional and St Paul’s always seems to do very well,” he added.

Ms Higgs said: “It brings a great bond in getting to work with your daughters in such a manner and it is also exciting that they could come here and learn from other singers and dancers as well.

“They say that they do not just do it for themselves. They do it for me,” she added with a laugh.

“They know that I love it and we love it. I am glad that we all share the same love for the same thing; so it makes it even more special.

“It is nothing that is forced – sometimes parents have to force their children to do stuff. My girls force me out of bed, up at six o’clock in the morning saying, ‘It’s time to rehearse’”.