History of Jubilee

The term "jubilee" is a biblical term that originates in the Old Testament book of Leviticus Chapter 25. It was one of the festive celebrations that God had instructed Moses to declare unto the children of Israel concerning every fiftieth (50th) year.

Not only did God ordain jubilee to be a time of celebration, rejoicing and renewal, but also a time of liberty and release from debt and bondage. Centuries ago, it was prophesied in the Word of God that the nation of Israel, fragmented and scattered, would one day return to their homeland and begin to rebuild Jerusalem. This came to pass in the year 1948 when the state of Israel was declared a nation once again. Fifty years after, (the number which represents jubilee) the year 1998 was declared "the year of jubilee."

It is no wonder therefore that the vision to host Jubilee in the federation of St.Kitts-Nevis was divinely conceived earlier in that same year 1998. As a matter of fact, the very first Jubilee organized by the Youth Impact Ministries began in the summer of 1998 on the island of Nevis at the St Thomas' School Complex and to this day, is an event that is looked forward to each year with eager anticipation.

Jubilee can be described as a perpetual party celebration of the King of Kings where hundreds of youth from various denominations, countries and walks of life come together in one place to express themselves and glorify God in song, dance, drama, arts and the ministry of the Word. This national festival attracts youth with a desire to display their talents and indulge in a healthy, holy atmosphere of music, food, fun and fellowship. As a result of this major annual event held during the summer in Nevis and over the Christmas holidays in St Kitts, many lives have been challenged, touched and transformed as each year the celebrations grow in size and quality.

From 1998 to present, Jubilee has not only attracted crowds of nationals and visitors alike, but has featured a number of regional and international artistes: The Johnson Sisters of St. Maarten, DeAnna Wattley of B.V.I. Tortola, Judah Development of Antigua, Judy Turnbull of St Thomas, Lt. Stitchie, Chevelle Franklyn & Prodigal Son of Jamaica, Nicole Ballosing-Holder and Sherwin Gardner of Trinidad, to name a few. Jubilee is now the premier gospel festival in the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. [www.jubileefestskn.com]