Minister of Community Development and Culture Steve Blackett commented favourably on the increased numbers the Spirit Of The Nation Show attracted to the gymnasium of the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex last Saturday.

There had been a dramatic fall-off in attendance in recent few years and the secretariat made a concerted effort to reverse that trend.

"We advertised quite robustly this year. These events get better when they spring from within the bosoms of the communities – from bottom up rather than top down.

"Robust enthusiasm always presents a better show, because the people themselves drive interest in the show," the minister told the DAILY NATION.

He said all the ambassadors had done their parishes proud.

"Competition was quite keen, obviously the St Peter contestants had the crowd behind them and I thought generally both the costume and the parish project excelled," he said of the winning duo.

Blackett said the usual review of the show would be done to see where improvements could be made.

"We're going to tweak, adjust and, of course, look at areas where we fell down and where we can make the necessary adjustments for next year. That is very much on the cards, and I've already asked the secretariat to, as soon as possible, go into retreat and return with a much better presentation," he disclosed. (YB)