Minister Hilaire launches Saint Lucian Carnival, fosters creativity & economic condition

Castries, Saint Lucia: Minister of Tourism of Saint Lucia, Dr. Ernest Hilaire launched Saint Lucian Carnival 2024 and shed light on the power that Carnival holds in unlocking and unleashing the creativity of the citizens of the nation. He also enlightened about the economic benefits of the Carnival. 

During the launch ceremony, Dr. Hilaire stated that immense advantages are brought through this international festival to several Saint Lucian creatives in and around the carnival.

“Saint Lucian Carnival is more than just a mass, more than just what happens on the road for a couple of days, it is a part of our culture, it helps define who we are”, asserted Dr. Ernest Hilaire.

While acknowledging the benefits of the Saint Lucian Carnival, he added that it plays a significant role in promoting the creativity of the people. He called the musicians, the artists, the costume makers and people who participate in various pageants, a reflection of creativity which fosters the rich cultural heritage of the nation.

It not only promotes the vibrant culture and traditions of the nation but also gives an opportunity to the citizens to showcase their talent, skills, abilities and enhance their creativity.

He also addressed Carnival a powerful economic agent in Saint Lucia which brought over 18,000 visitors in the first two weeks of July 2023 which made the month with the most stay-over visitors for the year. This figure reflects the significance of Carnival in boosting the economic conditions of the nation and generating huge amounts of revenues which directly lead to the growth and development of the country.

The Carnival brings substantial income to the nation which benefits several sectors of the nation which includes, including cosmetologists, stylists, fashion designers and many more.

Minister Hilaire talked about protecting the carnival in order to safeguard the creativity and expression of the people as well as to enhance the economic conditions of the nation.

The Minister also asked to make this year’s Carnival even bigger than it has ever been before as it plays a crucial role in creating livelihoods for several citizens. It opens doors of several opportunities for the local citizens to generate income. “There are several people who look forward to Carnival Season as the peak for their income going in as creatives”, noted Minister Hilaire.

He also expressed his desire to surpass the achievements of 2019 and for that, he urged everyone to work together as a community to defend what they have and make Carnival 2024 a successful event.