JIMMY DADDY IS CARNIVAL GRAND MARSHALL

Basseterre, St. Kitts (December 05, 2006): Ninety-one year old James O'Garro better known as "Jimmy Daddy" has been chosen as the 2006-2007 Carnival Grand Marshall.

Jimmy Daddy was fascinated by the clown folklore group at an early age. In 1942, at the age of 27, he became Captain of the Eagle Squadron Clown Troupe.  A role that he reportedly performed with much character for seven years.

"Those were the days" a passionate Jimmy Daddy recounted, while speaking to an official from the Department of Culture.  "The Clowns could be heard from a long way off.  Just from the sounds of the bells. I am glad to have been a part of that.”

O’Garro was born in Montserrat but migrated to St. Kitts at the age of three. He spent most of his life as a resident of Newtown.

The title of the Carnival Grand Marshall was introduced in 1997 by the then Director of Culture Jacinth Henry-Martin. The title was designed to pay tribute to veteran folklorists who have contributed greatly to the continued promotion of cultural heritage.

Mr. O'Garro is the 11th person to have held this title. There were two Grand Marshalls for the 2001-2002 carnival season.

A representative from the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture and the Carnival Committee stated that the Ministry was proud to recognise James "Jimmy Daddy" O'Garro as the official Grand Marshall 2006-2007.

SKNIS Photo:    O'Garro better known as "Jimmy Daddy" has been chosen as the 2006-2007 Carnival Grand Marshall

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