Decision of the Bureau: 20.COM 3.BUR 4.4

The Bureau,

  1. Recalling Article 23 of the Convention, as well as Chapters I.4, I.7 and I.14 of the Operational Directives relating to International Assistance requests,
  2. Having examined document LHE/25/20.COM 3.BUR/4 and the request for preparatory assistance no. 02455 submitted by Saint Kitts and Nevis,
  3. Takes note that Saint Kitts and Nevis has requested International Assistance in the amount of US$9,926 to prepare a nomination for The Masquerade traditions of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

To be implemented by the Ministry of Small Business, Entrepreneurship, Cooperatives and Creative Economy, this preparatory assistance request concerns the nomination of The Masquerade traditions of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The centuries-old Masquerade traditions traditionally mark the start of the Christmas season. They feature dance performances accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of the kettle drum, bass drum and fife, highlighting the lived experiences of the practising communities. Colourful costumes sparkle, chime and flow with the movements of their wearers, who perform dances influenced by both African and European ancestors. The Masquerade traditions of Saint Kitts and Nevis, featuring various performers and bands, reflect the social, cultural and historical fabric of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The preparatory assistance will support the engagement of a wide range of stakeholders from across the country, including knowledge bearers, practitioners, community members, nongovernmental organizations, business professionals and government officials.

  1. Decides that, from the information provided in file no. 02455, the request responds as follows to the criteria for granting International Assistance given in paragraphs 10 and 12 of the Operational Directives:
Criterion A.1: The request clearly outlines the active role of the communities in the project. They will participate in all the project activities, including updating the inventory, documenting the element, and validating the final draft of the nomination file. Three consultation meetings are planned, involving a wide range of stakeholders. The project adopts an inclusive and participatory approach and will engage communities on the two islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis, ensuring their free, prior and informed consent.
Criterion A.2: The amount requested by the State Party seems appropriate in relation to the proposed activities for the preparation of the nomination file to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Criterion A.3: The preparatory assistance will support three main activities: (a) a workshop to update the information about the element and build capacity for inventorying; (b) three meetings with communities, bearers, practitioners and other stakeholders to raise awareness of the nomination process, obtain free, prior and informed community consent, identify threats and viability of the element, and facilitate the final review of the nomination file; and (c) prepare the nomination file and a short documentary using the materials gathered through the stakeholder consultations.
Criterion A.4: The requesting State Party is committed to submitting a nomination for the possible inscription of the element on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The submission is expected before 31 March 2026 for possible inscription by the Committee at its twenty-second session, provided that the nomination can be included in the 2027 cycle, in application of the annual ceiling for the number of nominations and the priority system in force at the time of the submission.
Criterion A.5: The requesting State Party will contribute 56 per cent (US$12,411) of the total amount of the project for preparatory assistance (US$22,337). Consequently, International Assistance is requested from the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund for the remaining 44 per cent of the total amount of the project.
Criterion A.6: Community members will be directly involved in the inventory and documentation process, which is expected to strengthen their capacities. The organization of consultation meetings will raise awareness about the importance of safeguarding the element, ensuring its viability and visibility. These meetings will also foster collaboration among diverse community members.
Criterion A.7: The requesting State Party has benefited from International Assistance from the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund for two completed projects.[1] The work stipulated in the contracts related to these projects was carried out in accordance with UNESCO regulations.
  1. Approves the request for preparatory assistance from Saint Kitts and Nevis for the preparation of the nomination for The Masquerade traditions of Saint Kitts and Nevis in view of its submission for possible inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and grants the amount of US$9,926 to the requesting State Party to this end;
  2. Requests that the Secretariat reach an agreement with the requesting State Party on the technical details of the assistance, paying particular attention to ensuring that the budget and the work plan of the activities to be covered by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund are detailed and specific enough to provide a sufficient justification of all the expenditures;
  3. Invites the requesting State Party to use Form ICH-05-Report to report on the use of the assistance granted.

[1] (a) ‘Strengthening inventory preparation capacity for implementing the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Saint Kitts and Nevis’ (US$99,443; May 2019 to April 2021) and (b) ‘Safeguarding Saint Kitts and Nevis Intangible Cultural Heritage: developing a National Intangible Cultural Heritage Policy’ (US$91,252; December 2022 to December 2024).

 

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