The organisers pledge this year’s Carnival will be one for the books as the country transitions into a period of tourism success.
First off, Culture Minister Ernest Hilaire promises a five-day Carnival celebration in Castries, featuring the national bands as well as showcases from the Kiddies Carnival.
The added days, Hilaire says, will help expose the rich culture of Castries to the world.
“Carnival in the City will now be a five-day event, allowing Castries to really explode as a centre of creativity for Carnival, and I really want to thank the Carnival Management Committee for the work that they have done in this regard,” Hilaire says.
The Minister’s statements come against the backdrop of efforts by various stakeholders to transform the City into an area of tourist appeal, with plans underway to develop religious tourism.
In a bid to adequately compensate the country’s creatives, the Minister also announced that prize monies will see an increase.
“And, of course this year, we're looking to increase prize money across the board. Now, I am not promising 150% increases and 200% increases. But I believe it's important that we reward those who really make the festival a success.”
Following the raving scandal revolving around last year’s “Bumbum Wall”, Hilaire announced that the Carnival Management and Planning Committee has teamed up with the National Christian Council to add a dimension of moral responsibility to this year’s festivities.
“A few months ago, I met with the Christian Council and they wanted to share with me some of their thoughts on Carnival, and we had a very interesting exchange. I gave them the assurance that we will support them with their own campaign on how to enjoy Carnival with a moral responsibility as well - that one doesn't have to behave in whatever way you believe you should behave simply because it's Carnival time,” he said.
The Minister adds that the Committee will resume its “Drink Responsibly” Campaign this year to avoid alcohol-related incidents.
“The Carnival Management Committee decided to start with some of our sponsors a “Drink and Live Responsibly” Campaign. [We will say] say to revellers, you don't have to drink mindlessly and endlessly on the road, you can enjoy Carnival responsibly. And it is a very powerful campaign, and it will be repeated this year,” he explained.
The Calendar of Events has also been released and band leaders are encouraging revellers to participate.