Cuturama 98 will be celebrated under the esteemed patronage of Mr Darrel Dore, one of Nevis' most outstanding folklore and folk preservationists.
"Uncle Darrell" or "Daddy Dore", as he affectionally called, is the first person to be afforded this honour which comes at a time when Nevisians are increasingly demanding greater recognition for nationals who have contributed significantly to the overall development of our beautiful country.

The Culturama committee has, therefore, decided to adopt and impliment a policy whereby homeage and honour will be paid annually to an outstanding folk preservationist or cultural practitioner by staging the respective festival under the patronage of the said person.

75 year-old Darrell Dore has been involved in the preservation and promotion of a wide variety of Nevisian folk dances for well over fifty years. The knowledge and skills of this traditional artform were passed on to Uncle Darrell by his chief motivator and very special friend, the late Hery Archibald, who also taught him the art of seamanship, and many of life's lessons.
Uncle Darrel was a founding member of the Nevis Dramatic and Cultural Society(NEDACS) , NEDACS Folk Dancers and the Culturama Festival. The group performed such folks dances as the Cake Walk, Quadrille, Clown, Lancer and Fisherman which were all performed with precision and artistry to the sweet sounds of the stringband music. In 1978 Daddy Dore broke ties with NEDACS and formed his own group - the Nevis Folk Dancres - which included a number of young performers from Bath Village. For many years the Nevis Folk Dancers performed as one of the main acts during Culturama and the St. Kitts Carnival Queen Contest.
Daddy Dore's love dedication and commitment to this treasurable folk tradition has taken him to CARIFESTA (Cuba 1979), CARIBANA (Canada 1980), Montserrat Carnival (1984) and performances in New York City. He has also been on special teaching assignments in St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John's and St. Maarten.

Mr. Dore was among some forty Cultural pratitioners who were presented with CULTURAMA 20th Aniversary Plaques in 1984 in recognition of their contribution to the advancement of the Culturama Festival.
The roles he played as choreographer, dancer, leader, trainer, costume designer and father figure all served to motivate and encourage Daddy Dore as there were no monetary gains in those going. He states that he has received great satisfaction from the knowledge thathe has contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of this important aspect of Nevis' cultural heritage, - such is his undying love for the artform.
Uncle Darrel's practical involvement in folk dancing came to an abrupt end in 1993 when he suffered a very serious leg injury. However, that unfortunte accident has not dampened his spirit and he continues to provide invaluable advice to the Ashanti Dancers and the Department of Cultural as they attempt to pass on the knowledge and skill of folk dancing to the youths of Nevis.

Daddy Dore is convinced that preservation of the traditions and customs will only be effective if we invest in the very young. In his own words, "with their commitment, decipline, respect and love for the artform, folk dancing and cultural in general have a bright future in Nevis".

The Department of Culture, Culturama Committee, the Nevis Island Admistration and the people of Nevis salute the immeasurable contributions Mr. Darrrel Dore to cultural preseravtion, promotion and development in Nevis. We wish him long years in retirement.