Kitefest soars again

Kitefest is back on.

The Parks Ministry as well as KeyTech have stepped up to the wicket to ensure the annual Good Friday event does not get scrubbed.

Organizers The Chewstick Foundation said they met with Planning Minister Sylvan Richards and he gave them the green light to stage the festival.

Earlier this week it was announced the annual event was cancelled due to a lack of planning permission and financial support. However, the Parks Department said that Chewstick had never applied for a permit.

A spokesperson for Chewstick said:  “We agreed to work together to resolve any misunderstanding surrounding the permit application process for Kitefest and toward staging the event. 

“Funding is still key in order to ensure infrastructure, management, entertainment and security are in place as in years past. Thankfully KeyTech, Logic and BTC have stepped in to support the event and have committed to title sponsorship for this year’s event and Kitefest 2014.”

Najib Chentouf , Chewstick co-founder said: “I’m grateful that these issues have been resolved. It is unfortunate that these events have unfolded the way they did, but I trust that going forward we will work closer with the Department of Parks and the Ministry of Environment and Planning to avoid these challenges.”

He added he was thankful for KeyTech’s support and any additional potential sponsors can contact The Chewstick Foundation via -email at [email protected], or by calling 292 2439.

Gavin Djata Smith, Chestick executive director, said: “We are deeply grateful to the Minister for his immediate response and to Keytech for supporting not only this year’s event but fortifying their commitment to next year as well.”