Ernest Hilaire, Deputy Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, reported that Last evening, the administration formally launched the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival to the media and Saint Lucians.
On the occasion of 30th anniversary of the music festival and its return to its original concept, Minister Hilaire mentioned that he feels proud to announce that Jazz festival’s launch was a vibrant success with a renewed look and feel.
The festival showcases the creative talents of Saint Lucia’s populace both on the musical and artistic fronts. Minister Hilaire noted that this year, the government will introduce a new concept, Art & The City, which will express the island’s culture through artistic expression and bring the festival into different areas of the city centre.
Additionally, the festival will accrue several economic benefits for Saint Lucians, with taxi drivers, villas and hotel rooms being booked, visitors going to local bars and restaurants, and many more supporting activities being employed.
Minister Hilaire also stated that the island’s administration brought the Jazz festival back into the communities to help Saint Lucians own more of the festival. He said, “We are excited to see the return of Jazz with its star-studded lineup. This year promises to be a big one”.
Yesterday, Minister Hilaire also organised a meeting with all of the agencies responsible for approving Mass Crowd Events in Saint Lucia to find efficient ways for event promoters to host events.
During the meeting, Minister Hilaire said, “As we gear up for Jazz, Carnival, Emancipation, Jounen Kweyol and all of our other festivities, we must ensure the safety of all patrons and the wider public are protected”.
He also stated that the Jazz festival event sector is growing and is becoming a prominent part of the Creative Industries, so the administration must provide an enabling environment for them.
