St. Lucia Government to Spearhead Comprehensive Review of Saint Lucia Carnival

The Government of Saint Lucia is mindful of the many challenges which presented ahead of and during the Carnival festivities this year. These challenges were a manifestation of fundamental concerns and issues, which need to be addressed in order to ensure the sustainable development of the Carnival product. Government thinks that it critical at this juncture to take the lead in facilitating a comprehensive review of Saint Lucia Carnival. Government is firmly aware of its responsibility to tax payers to ensure that the investments made in Carnival are applied in an efficient and strategic manner.  Government is convinced that there is need to determine a clear vision and “road map” for Carnival in the immediate future. Government has taken note of the rich and insightful debate related to the staging of Carnival 2010. The Administration has therefore taken the decision to channel this discussion into a productive framework for the benefit of all. This will take the form of an organized and structured forum with the goal of ensuring that a comprehensive strategy and plan of action is arrived at.

Towards this end, the Government of Saint Lucia has decided on the following:

1. To commission a consultancy that will conduct an in-depth and comprehensive study of Saint Lucia Carnival. This would involve the preparation and submission of a report that will include the formulation of recommendations for future planning.

1. The staging of a National Symposium which will target all key stakeholders, interest groups and resources agencies/persons including representatives of: Carnival Bands, Calypso, Private Sector/Sponsors, Community Carnival Organisers, Marketing Agencies, Steelband, Musicians, Carnival Enthusiast, etc. This symposium will focus on discussing the Consultant’s report and will also undertake an evaluation of Carnival 2010. The major stakeholders will be encouraged to present discussion papers that will guide discussion at the Symposium. One of the major outputs of the proposed Symposium would be a plan of action for “The Way Forward” that would pave the way for development of viable and sustainable carnival product.

The Government of Saint Lucia assures all Saint Lucians of its commitment and support for the growth and development of Carnival and Creative Industries. This commitment has been evidenced by the unprecedented allocation of EC $1. Million towards Carnival festivities over a three year period, 2007 to 2009. Government extended this support by providing a further allocation of EC $1. Million for Carnival 2010.

In addition to its support for Carnival, Government in the past months provided a sum of EC $437,533.53 to the Cultural Development Foundation for the payment of outstanding debts. Government has also provided support to various local artiste amounting to EC $441,962.17 under the special allocation of $1.5 Million for assistance to Creative Industries.

The Government of Saint Lucia commends all Saint Lucians for their support in ensuring the success of Carnival 2010.  Despite the planning and organizational challenges which surfaced, Government is gratified by the high level of discipline, enthusiasm and participation displayed by Saint Lucians. Government is further pleased by the fact that the 2010 Carnival was conducted largely incident free. Government takes this opportunity to also commend all those who worked assiduously to ensure the smooth execution of Carnival 2010. These include: the Police, the Staff of the Cultural Development Foundation, Castries City Council Sanitation Workers, Carnival Band Leaders, the Executive of the Interim Calypso Association, Judges and all other major contributors.

Government is appreciative of the input made by all these entities. We look forward to the further support and participation of all as we seek to chart the way forward for a viable and sustainable Saint Lucian Carnival product.