She disclosed that early bird tickets for the 2024 Jazz and Arts Festival is soaring and doing better than last year’s. Georges says this is encouraging for the event and indicates increased interest.

According to her, the Tourism Authority is working to finalise its local jazz line-up, which would include Saint Lucian all-stars.

“There are more announcements to be made in terms of artists and particularly finalising our Saint Lucian All-Star cast. So this announcement will be made very soon. We're excited about the Saint Lucians on the lineup,” she said.

The inclusion of many local performers, she adds, is a testament to the talent which exists on-island.

“This year we have quite a few Saint Lucians and it really speaks to the talent that we have right here on the island. And it's also an opportunity for them to showcase their talent on the world stage.”

The PR Manager also provided some details on the pricing of VIP tickets for the upcoming shows.

“The premium experience this year at Mindoo Phillip Park is 140 US dollars. The Jazz Ultra Premium Experience is at Pigeon Island on May 10th, 11th and 12th. It's 220 US per ticket, food and drink inclusive, all amenities included, and it promises to be very, very exciting,” she said.

She adds that the SLTA will be working towards addressing the concerns expressed by citizens last year.

“We know we have some remedial work to do from last year and we're very aware of that. And this year we can guarantee our patrons to that ultra-premium experience that they will have a fantastic time.”

Additionally, Georges says, patrons will walk away with tokens.

“They will walk away with some excellent Saint Lucian stuff which of course we will not say at this time what it's going to be.”

Jazz 2024 runs from April 30th to May 12th 2024.