BRADFORD will celebrate the people, culture and traditions of a Caribbean nation after it marked 39 years since its independence this week.
St Kitts and Nevis gained freedom from British rule on September 19, 1983, and one Bradford man – who was born in the country – will host an event to commemorate the occasion this Sunday.
Jerry Crawford, who was born in the town of Saddlers and moved to Bradford at the age of one, has organised the event at the Dominica Association.
Jerry, who heads up Bradford organisation Collective Impact and has carried out extensive community work for decades, said it will be the first time the independence of St Kitts and Nevis will be celebrated the district.
“A few people know about St Kitts and Nevis, but the masses don’t – I’ve got friends who always ask me where it is,” said Jerry, 61.
“There are a lot of young people who have grandparents or great-grandparents from there, so hopefully this can teach them more about their backgrounds.”
St Kitts and Nevis is the smallest sovereign state in the Western Hemisphere and has an estimated population of over 53,000.
Leeds is known to have a Kittitian community, and the city’s singer Mel B and actress Angela Griffin – both cousins of Jerry, although not close, he admits – each have a father from the country.
However, people of Caribbean descent in Bradford are more likely to hail from countries like Jamaica or Dominica.
“St Kitts and Nevis can be a bit overlooked and in the shadows here,” said Jerry.
“So it will be nice to have Kittitian culture at the forefront and for people to learn more.”
Jerry did not return to the country of his birth until 2002, but has been back several times since. His sister, Phoebe Daniels, has flown in from the country to join Sunday’s celebrations.
“That will make it even more special,” Jerry added.
People of all backgrounds will be welcome at the event, which will start at 2pm, and they can also enjoy Kittitian food and music.
“Our local dish is saltfish, coconut boiled dumplings and plantain, and people can enjoy free samples at the event,” Jerry said.
“They can also enjoy calypso and soca as well as a live steel band, DJs and singers.
“With Bradford being the City of Culture, an event like this is fitting.
“I’m really happy that it’s got off the ground, and we hope people come down and enjoy themselves.”
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