Dozens danced and sang along with international gospel acts, Deitrick Haddon of the United States and Trinidad’s Sherwin Gardner as the sixth annual Hope Festival closed with a massive concert at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall last evening, July 8.

The concert offered opportunities for local performers to share the spotlight off the stage as the host of Tempo’s Rise and Shine, Jamie Thomas conducted interviews that will be aired in the Caribbean and the United States.

Local soloist, Ishaka Charles opened the concert with several worship songs. She was followed by the local group Dominion, who performed many of their own songs. In between the songs, Dominion ensured that they shared messages of hope and thanksgiving for God’s grace and mercy. The group also pleaded for unity within the church.

The harmonious voices of El Shaddai, a choir that comprises of members from various churches enticed the audience with their performance. The group set the stage for Gardner who emerged on stage and immediately signaled to the audience that they should come to front of the stage and “give God thanks”. During his performance, he introduced a dance that translated to stepping on things that are ungodly. Gardner shared experiences through his music and songs that spoke of triumph.

Gardner also showed his musical range throughout his performance with songs done in various genres with a distinct Caribbean tone to it. He told the audience that back in his homeland of Trinidad, many persons have tried to get him to stop singing gospel music and enter the soca arena which is more lucrative. However, he told the audience that he has chosen gospel and will continue to “lift up the name of God”.

Mr. Haddon, who recently performed at the BET Awards show, emerged on stage and immediately set about to spread his ministry’s message through song. The young songwriter and producer interacted periodically with the audience, telling them that God has a plan for their lives, but they must never lose hope. He encouraged that sometimes humans do not understand what God is about to do, but they must continue to trust him and have faith.

Mr. Haddon also encouraged them to be happy. He said one of the reasons he sings is because he is happy and he wants those who listen to his music to be happy also. Mr. Haddon said Christians must not be afraid to worship and praise God.

Talent Exposure

Tempo’s Jamie Thomas (left) interviews Suzette Richardson for his show Rise and Shine.

Photo Credit: Gordon French/BVI Platinum News

Hope Festival is staged annually by the Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church. Minister Michael A. Turnbull said that the main thing for the concert is to inspire youths throughout the Caribbean, especially in Tortola.

“Now that we have had Tempo for the past three years and now Tempo is going into the United States, so we are going to have millions of people being inspired by people from Tortola. The main thing about the festival is to give people hope. A lot of people are going through a lot is things with their families and finances and they need hope. This is what this festival was designed to do; bring hope to people,” Minister Turnbull said.

This year’s theme for Hope Festival 2011 is “Life: Live Abundantly”.

Leading up to the concert, there were three nights of experiences at the Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Melvin A. Turnbull which was opened to all members of the public. Motivational speakers included Rev. Tony Lee and Rev. Bill Lee.

Jamie of Tempo told BVI Platinum News that the 2011 Hope Festival was his third. He said that he is very impressed with the talent base in the BVI and that the programs when aired on Tempo have always attracted many viewers. In addition to the Hope Festival, Tempo also showcases various parts of the BVI.

Minister Turnbull said that the Hope Foundation will continue to be involved with a number of programs and is getting ready to host a mentoring program in August and a 3-day camp for kids in another few days.