Gospel Fest gets financial boost

Gospel Fest 2006 has received a financial boost of $20,000 from its platinum sponsor, Digicel.

Chairman of the Gospel Fest committee, Fidel Taylor noted that the festival received $12, 000 last year and that the 66 per cent increase in sponsorship from the telecommunications company will help to improve the now national event. {{more}}

He stressed that over the last four years, Gospel Fest had been living up to the expectations outlined in their constitution, which are to promote and uplift the gospel art form.

He pointed out that during the month of April while the festival was taking place, little or no violence occurred. The Chairman attributed this to blessings that the Almighty gave, because of the praises received when the churches came together to celebrate in the festival. Taylor called on persons to use their talent for the gospel and to register for the 2006 festival.

Digicel OECS Marketing Manager Jerry George credited the Gospel Fest Committee with keeping the direction to which they have aspired in their constitution.

He noted that too often people seek sponsorship without showing the level of seriousness which sponsors look for and this puts them at a disadvantage in getting assistance. George said that his company knows the importance of supporting the spiritual aspects in any country and joked that maybe the Gospel Fest committee received that type of assistance because they believed in the motto of Digicel which is “Expect More, Get More.”

The theme for Gospel Fest 2006 is taken form Psalms (67:3) “Let All the People Praise Thee.”

For 2006 participants will perform in 16 categories. Included is a new category called Sermonette which will give young preachers under 21 a five minute opportunity to deliver a mini-sermon based on the theme for 2006.

This year Digicel phone users can also text to vote for the most outstanding performer in the festival. The winner will then be given the opportunity to perform at the Barbados Gospel Festival. The most outstanding performer at the Jamaica Gospel Festival will also make a guest performance.

This year’s guest performers include Bridget Blucher and Nicole Ballosingh.