From Carnival to CARIFESTA: Government Continues Support for the Arts by Government of Saint Lucia

Issue 28 | 27 July, 2019

FROM CARNIVAL to CARIFESTA Government Continues Support for the Arts, Culture and National Festivals

The Theatre of

Community Carnivals Continue to Grow

Winners of the various competitions for Saint Lucia Carnival 2019

Summer Festivals Continue with Roots and Soul

03. CDF Chairman Expounds Work Program 04. “Government Investment in Carnival Justifiable,” Minister Says

05. Community Carnivals Continue to Grow 06. Investing in the Future 07. Carnival Winners 2019 10. Record Visitor Arrivals for Saint Lucia Carnival

11. Summer Festivals Continue with Roots and Soul

12. Saint Lucia Prepares For CARIFESTA 14. News Bites

Carnival!

nly the partakers will truly understand how deeply liberating carnival can be. Only the actors on a stage can explain the euphoric feeling even after the curtains fall. Carnival has often been described as “the greatest show on earth,” a cultural expression that often times seem to defy all logic but for the partakers a necessary escape. Scholar Esiaba Irobi wrote, “Carnival, as we can see, is a bridge, a continuum, a collective performative aesthetic that manifests both an African and African diasporic need and facility for self-redefinition.” A necessity even! It is a necessity that Government has seen fit to invest in, allowing Saint Lucia Carnival to grow incrementally each year. Today, Saint Lucia carnival is mentioned among the top ten carnivals, with thousands of visitors now rushing to our shores to share in our unique experience. For us, Saint Lucia Carnival is not just another carnival. It is partying at very scenic venues, night and day. It involves those boat rides with breathtaking views along the coastlines. It is enjoying good food and drink at community carnivals north, south, east and west. And at the heart of it all are the traditional aspects - Calypso is still strong, so too is Panorama, J’Ouvert and Ole Mas. And to season the Looshan Carnival pot we now have Dennery Segment adding to the sweet Calypso, Groovy and Soca music. Through the pages of “Our Saint Lucia” those entrusted to help guide and shape the product, explain why it is necessary to continue to invest in carnival and the tremendous economic returns and opportunities this festival brings to Saint Lucia and Saint Lucians. We also take you inside the preparations for Saint Lucia’s participation at CARIFESTA this year which will be held in Trinidad. Again, Government is supporting the contingent expected to make us proud at CARIFESTA in August as part of a commitment to continue to invest in the arts. They say Carnival is theatre and therefore this issue of Our Saint Lucia is a fitting tribute of the marriage between the street theatre called carnival and setting the theatre stage for CARIFESTA. Read on! Toni Nicholas, Editor

CDF Chairman Expounds Work Program

n May of 2018 Cabinet approved the recommendation to have Mr. Daniel Belizaire serve as Chairman of the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF). Danny, as he is affectionately known, serves on the Gros Islet town council, on the board of Events Saint Lucia and has had a long and distinguished association with the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association as a board member. He came into the CDF with a wealth of business experience, cultural knowledge, experience in events planning and management, tourism and leadership skills.

Daniel Belizaire (right) presenting Calypso Monarch Ti Caro with his trophy On the subject of carnival, the CDF chairman says he is pleased with the successes carnival has been recording. “Carnival, and not just the Monday and Tuesday, but the overall event this year went very, very well. The new plans and programs that were instituted this year worked. The responses we have received from patrons were very, very positive, and we saw overall improvement and production at events like Junior Calypso, panorama and King and Queen of the bands, while events like the Carnival Queen Pageant, Calypso and Soca Monarch, continue to be major attractions,” Belizaire says.

Our Saint Lucia spoke with Mr. Daniel Belizaire about the synergies with other related entities and the work program of the CDF, Carnival 2019 and CARIFESTA. “The synergies have been working quite well. As Chairman of the CDF I am pleased to report that as a board and management team, we have been better able to articulate a clear policy on culture,” he went on to say. “Part of that policy and might I add, the Government’s overall thrust, is to work and collaborate more closely with the schools, to build on what is there and to ensure that we give our children a better understanding and appreciation of our culture,” he says.

However, according to the CDF Chairman, Saint Lucia’s carnival is really on the cusp of taking off and having its unique identity, but cautions that it must be managed properly and better planning and collaboration with all stakeholders should be pursued.

One of the areas which will be a key focus the chairman says will be the rebuilding of the junior panorama and Junior Carnival, which would in turn help the development of the national panorama and the continued growth of carnival as a whole.

There has also been increased financial support for the community carnivals he noted. “Some of the things we want to do is to help create standards at the community events so we are appointing someone who would liaise directly between the communities and Events Company and we are exploring ways to raise the bar with events like King and Queen of the bands, junior carnival and panorama and also work more closely with the SLHTA to get more visitors to attend the events and incentivize the private event promoters, who I must pay homage to for helping grow carnival,” Belizaire says.

“Another area and one of the successes of the CDF as far as schools and young people are concerned is the summer arts program. It was very heartening to see the transformation of some of the newer kids as they became exposed to the arts as well as the number of repeat attendees,” Belizaire says.

Segueing to CARIFESTA, the CDF Chairman is very pleased with the process that went into selecting participation for CARIFESTA in Trinidad in August of this year. “The center piece which is a theatrical production, was used by the CDF as part of its workshop and training program and that has worked out very well and I am sure when persons come out to see the play on August 9th at the national cultural center, before the team leaves for Trinidad, they will be impressed,” Belizaire says.

“One of the areas where we placed much emphasis this year was on the spectator involvement at the parade of the bands, ensuring that they too, like the revelers shared in a great experience,” he went on to explain. “And so this year you would have noticed as we did last year, more comfort stations, bleachers, tents to shelter from sun and rain as well as medical stations,” he says. However the CDF Chairman says the time has come for a complete review of the route for the parade of the bands. A new event, the Caribbean Soca Festival was held on Carnival Sunday which Daniel Belizaire is hoping will evolve into a Caribbean Soca Monarch competition in 2020. The CDF Chairman also believes that the increase in government’s allocation for carnival over the last three years, has served as a major boost.

In the coming weeks Daniel Belizaire says there will be major reviews of Carnival as well as the work program of the CDF, to ensure a better product where Saint Lucia carnival and all major festivals are concerned.

“Government Investment in Carnival Justifiable,” Minister Says

on. Senator Fortuna Belrose is the Minister with responsibility for Culture and Creative Industry. The Ministry shapes policy guidelines with the mandate to oversee the islands major cultural events and festivals by the Events Company of Saint Lucia and the Cultural Development Foundation. One such event is Carnival which ended on a high on July 16, 2019. Minister Belrose spoke to Our Saint Lucia about this year’s event as well as preparations for CARIFESTA. She summarized this year’s carnival as a great success. “This year Carnival judging by everything we have seen was a phenomenal success. Of course we are not even done yet, as we still have some of the communities like Gros Islet and Babonneau staging their carnivals in the coming weeks,” Minister Belrose started off by saying. “We are very excited about what we have seen happening with the community carnivals over the last few years. Soufriere for example after being dormant for many years, revived their carnival three years ago and today they are able to have a well-managed and successful program of activities and this year we saw many persons from all over making their way to Soufriere to enjoy carnival there,” Hon. Fortuna Belrose says. “And so with carnival happening in several communities all over the island, they are able to realize economic benefits which help stimulate these economies,” the Minister explained. This year Government increased the subventions to host communities for carnival to a little over EC$200,000. According to the Minister as a responsible Government, this is not simply about throwing money into carnival and turning its back, but support is given to the various entities from start to finish to ensure that they live up to a certain standard. “What we have been doing over the years through our various agencies and partners, is offer training opportunities in various areas for our carnival artisans.

These have involved training in costume building, in judging, in songwriting and in artiste development all in an effort to enhance the overall product,” she says. So while the EC$3 million goes primarily into the production of the main events and prize money for the various competitions, Government continues to invest heavily in the arts to ensure that we have the best product to showcase to the world,’ she went on to say. Events Company and CDF are the collaborators in producing Saint Lucia Carnival, Minister Fortuna Belrose reminded, adding that the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority has been doing a great job marketing the event. “This year we continued to see a high demand for flights and accommodation particularly during the final week of Carnival and so we know that the word is getting out there that Saint Lucia is the place to be for carnival in July,” she says. “We have also been very strategic in using some of our artistes like Teddyson John, Ricky T and the Dennery Segment artistes to promote the event overseas,” she added. The Minister believes that all of these factors have paid off in making carnival what it is today. “Of course our Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet has always been a great supporter of carnival. He has believed in it ever since he was Minister of tourism and continues to do so,” the Minister says. She also believes that the spend on carnival is easily justified by the tremendous returns. “Just ask the taxi drivers, the vendors, the boutiques, the supermarkets, the beauty salons, the guests houses, the restaurants, hotels both small and large, you couldn’t even get a vehicle to rent the last week of carnival,” the culture Minister says. “And so I do believe that the carnival dollar trickles down to various areas. And let us not forget the promoters who make great investments into having the parties that attract the large crowds and many of our visitors, they need to be commended for playing their part,’ she says.

Her Government she says continues to support the arts, and has been busy preparing the contingent for CARIFESTA in Trinidad even as carnival was underway. “In 2016 we had some issues that we were able to iron out early well head of this year’s event, making the necessary budget allocations for us to have good representation at CARIFESTA in Trinidad in August,” Hon. Fortuna Belrose says. Government has allocated EC$350,000 for Saint Lucia’s participation at CARIFESTA this year. “And so overall I am happy that Saint Lucians are taking ownership of the arts, our festivals, and our culture and of course carnival. It is a very fluid festival that will take different turns. But we must do everything we can to ensure that law and order is always maintained not just at Carnival but all aspects of our lives as a people while we invite the world to celebrate with the Saint Lucian spirit and the Saint Lucian hospitality and of course our culture,” says Minister Belrose. She went on to say that she was pleased with the support for the National events this year. A new event, the Caribbean Soca Festival put on by Events Company and held on the night before J’Ouvert she says is one that is expected to grow. “With the soca monarch pushed up a week earlier this year, we thought it was important to have a big event closer to the city to usher in J’ouvert which would then move into carnival Monday and Tuesday,” she explained. “Overall like I said we have a wonderful carnival 2019 (of course there will always be a few misgivings here and there) and I would like to thank Saint Lucians, the revelers, our visitors, the police and the essential services, our hospitality workers, the promoters, the service providers, the staff of CDF and Events Company, the Marshals, the volunteers and all those in one way or another contributed to making Saint Lucia carnival the success that it was this year.

aint Lucia may now have the distinction of more community carnivals per capita than any other island. Besides the main activities in the capital of Castries and Gros Islet in the north, community carnivals are now hosted all over the island, adding a distinct fervor to the Carnival product and ensuring greater islandwide participation in this aspect of our culture.

Revellers on stage during Soufriere Carnival

Community Carnivals Continue to Grow Prime Minister Congratulates Winners Commends Police

Just about every community is touched, with carnivals now held in Vieux Fort, Belle Vue, Laborie, Choiseul, Soufriere, Anse La Raye, Canaries, Dennery, Micoud, Mabouya Valley, Ciceron, Babonneau, Corinth and Gros Islet. These events run from May into August, past the main last lap street parade in the city of Castries. These carnivals have afforded opportunities for a diverse Saint Lucia carnival product, bringing economic benefits to persons across the island. It has also allowed for the development of skills in key areas of entertainment as well as the honing of the skills of artistes and artisans relative to carnival. For 2019, Government allocated EC$200,000 for the various community carnivals and according to Minister for Culture and Creative Industry Senator Hon. Fortuna Belrose the community carnivals offers the greatest opportunities for nurturing Saint Lucia’s carnival into a truly unique product.

rime Minister Honourable Allen Michael Chastanet has congratulated all stakeholders on an amazing and successful Saint Lucia Carnival 2019.

The Prime Minister thanks all who were part of the activities including the Events Company of Saint Lucia, all the Carnival Bands, the Cultural Development Foundation, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, the Calypsonians, the sponsors, the volunteers, the revellers and patrons. “I congratulate all the winners and participants,” said PM Chastanet. “I thoroughly enjoyed Panorama and the street parade, watching the traditional and newer bands. I congratulate and thank our musicians, Calypsonians, Soca artistes on a great showing this year and commit to continuing to support the development of our music. “Of course we still have our challenges and we will continue to work on enhancing our cultural product, which has become a regional and international attraction,” Prime Minister Chastanet added. “We will make the necessary adjustments to make this an event we can always be proud of, whether it is improving our music, the parade experience and other factors such as our traffic management and the upgrade of our road networks.

Prime Minister poses for photo with Carnival Revellers (photo credit-WaveMakerPhotography)

The Prime Minister also commended the Royal Saint Lucia Police (RSLPF) for the management of the Carnival activities, noting that there were no reports of serious incidents associated with Carnival.

Investing in the

Future T

remendous effort and investment is being placed on Junior Calypso and Junior carnival to ensure that the culture and the art-forms remain in good hands. This year saw very good turn-out for both events.

Fortuna Belrose Minister for Culture and Creative industry with Junior Calypso winners in the primary category

JUNIOR CALYPSO Mighty Lily of the Castries Anglican School and “Sweet E” of Corinth Secondary School are the respective winners of the Primary and Secondary Schools category of the 2019 Junior Calypso Monarch competitions. The event was held over two days; June 6 Primary Schools and June 7 Secondary Schools at the National Cultural Center. Both events were very well attended. Junior Calypso is endorsed by the Ministry of Education and organized by the Cultural Development Foundation and Events Company of Saint Lucia. Mighty Lily (Lilian Harrow) of the Anglican Infant School with her moving tribute to teachers walked away with the title of Junior Calypso Monarch - Primary. In second place was Ti Rocher RC. Primary (Kennisha Joseph) “Lady K” doing “Social Media”, third Grande Riviere Primary (David Dosithee) “Double D” with “I am Not a Barrel Baby,” and fourth Ave Maria Primary (Yandi James) “Yandi J” doing “Be Strong.” In the secondary School competition the winner Sweet E of the Corinth Secondary School won with her song Don’t Judge Me. In second place was Baby K of the Castries Comprehensive Secondary School, with the song Corporal Punishment. In third place was Lady Mona - Bocage Secondary doing Manners and 4th place Mighty Prince - Sir Ira Simmons Sec School “My Appreciation.” Nine secondary schools participated. Each of the four top winners received a mobile phone compliments FLOW, a trophy, cash prize, and hampers from Massy and Seven Seas. The first-prize winner also received a day pass from Bay Gardens Beach Resort and two passes from Splash Island.

Sweet E, Seondary schools jnr calypso winner Xtreme, Splash HD, Xtatic Kids, Insommeil and Gros Islet Junior Carnival Band. In the end in the Individual Category: 4th place went to Zinia Ramsey of Splash HD; 3rd places – Chad Hosein of Xtatic Kids; 2nd place Kedia Constable of Gros Islet Junior Carnival Band; 1st place Ammara Alexander of Xtatic Kids. Junior King of the Band was won by Shaz Nathan Lucien of Gros Islet Junior Carnival band, first runner up Marvin Sylvester of Royalites and second runner up Mckim Alexander of Insommeil. Junior Queen of the Band was won by Daniella Theophilus of Xtatic Kids, Shaudel Joseph of Royalites Xtreme 1st runner up and in third place Vivian Calderon of Nous Wivay. Junior Band of the Year: 4th place – Royalites Xtreme portraying “Story of Carnival”; 3rd place – Xtatic Kids portraying “For the Culture of Story Telling”; 2nd place – Nous Wivay portraying “Carnival Is”; 1st place Gros Islet Junior Carnival Band portraying “Something Fishy”.

JUNIOR CARNIVAL On July 7, Junior revelers went all out to wow the audience with their performances during their Junior Carnival at the Sab in Vigie. Approximately 600 Junior Revelers participated in eight carnival bands: Harmony Kids, Explosive Mas, Nous Wivay, Royalites

Junior revelers enjoyed the splendor of looshan carnival

Carnival Winners

2019 S

aint Lucia’s carnival 2019 is now officially over well sort of since there are a few more community carnivals to come. However, following the two day street parade July 15 and 16, organizers of the National Carnival events, Events Saint Lucia and the Cultural Development Foundation, proclaimed a successful culmination of the “Looshan Vaval.” The island’s carnival was tagged “Saint Lucia Carnival, nothing sweeter than that,” with numerous events, fetes and competitions being held from May to July. However, the competitive spirit remains very much a part of Saint Luca’s carnival and over the last three year’s Government has seen to it that there is a substantial increase in prize money for the various competitions. The first competition started back in June with the Junior Calypso. This was followed by the National Carnival Queen Pageant on July 5. This event has been one of the hallmarks of Saint Lucia’s carnival and featured contestants from various parts of the island. It Was won by the contestant from Laborie, Wenia Verneuil a member of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force. Groovy and Power Soca followed on July 6. A newcomer and a member of the Saint Lucia Fire Service “Sly” of the Dennery Segment group Vye Twizen Boyz was crowned Groovy King taking home EC$30,000. In the Power Soca category Ricky T continued his dominance, successfully defending his crown with “Mess” making this crown number 21 having won previous titles in Groovy, Road March and The Caribbean Soca Monarch. The prize for the power soca monarch is EC$35,000. The penultimate carnival week saw the Inter-Commercial House, King and Queen of the Bands, National Panorama and the ever popular Calypso Monarch Competitions. A new Monarch, Ti Caro was crowned on the morning of July 14, 2019, with a prize of EC$30,000. Thousands of revelers took to the streets on J’ouvert Morning, July 15 with the volume increasing by the afternoon for day one of the parade of the bands. Day two, Tuesday July 16 saw the culmination of a successful and relatively incident free carnival with Saint Lucians and visitors alike dancing in the streets to the pulsating rhythms of Soca music. Here are all your winners for Saint Lucia Carnival 2019…

Winners of the Various Competitions for Saint Lucia

Carnival

2019

National Carnival Queen Wenia Verneuil

National Carnival Queen Pageant Winner- Miss Laborie Credit Union – Wenia Verneuil 1st Runner Up- Miss Hot 7 TV – Timiqua Deterville 2nd runner up- Miss Massy Stores – Naomi St. Remy

POWER SOCA Monarch Winner – Ricky T – Mess 1st Runner up – Ezra D’Funmachine – Touch Down 2nd Runner up – Mantius – Fire Under My Feet

Groovy Soca Monarch Winner – Sly – Mix Up 1st Runner Up – Ricky T – Friend 2nd Runner Up- Shemmy J – Pretty on Purpose

National Calypso Competition Winner: Ti Caro – Remote Control and Welcome to Hollywood

1st runner up: Walleigh 2nd Runner Up: TC Brown

Junior Calypso: Primary

Junior King: Shaz Nathan Lucien – Gros Islet Junior Carnival Band 2nd – Marvin Slyvester – Royalites Xtreme 3rd – McKim Alexander - Insomeil Junior Queen: Daniella Theophilus – Xtatic Kids 2nd - Shaudel Joseph – Royalites Xtreme 3rd – Vivian Calderon – Nous Wivay Junior band of the year: Gros Islet Junior Carnival Band – Portraying “Something Fishy.” 1st runner up – Nous Wivay- Carnival Is 2nd runner up – Xtatic Kids – For the Culture of Storytelling.

Winner: Mighty Lily – Canon Laurie Anglican School 1st Runner up – Lady K – Ti Rocher RC Primary 2nd Runner up – Double D – Grande Riviere Primary

Inter-Commercial House

Junior Calypso: Secondary

King & Queen of the Bands

Winner: Sweet E- Corinth Secondary School 1st Runner up – Baby K - Castries Comprehensive Secondary School 2nd Runner up: Lady Mona – Bocage Secondary

King: Adrian Augier – Tribe of Twel 1st runner up –Martin Dorville – Tribe of Twel 2nd runner up – Kwency Griffith – Tribe of Twel Queen: Sharon Tanner – Tribe of Twel 1st runner up: Nathania St. Omer - Xuvo 2nd runner up- Claudine Cadette – Tribe of Twel

Junior Carnival Individual of the year: Ammara Alexander – Xtatic Kids 1st runner up: Chad Hosein – Xtatic Kids 2nd runner up – Kedia Constable – Gros Islet Junior Carnival Band

Winner: Lily- Saint Lucia Teachers Union 1st runner up: Lady Proxy - RSLPF 2nd runner up – Miss Tic – Saint Lucia Teachers Union

National Panorama Champions: Courts Babonneau Steel Orchestra

King of the bands Adrian Augier – Tribe of Twel

Ti Caro- Calypso Monarch

Ricky T- Soca Monarch 2019

1st runner up: Caribbean Grain Laborie Steel Pan 2nd runner up: LUCELEC Pantime Steel Orchestra

PARADE OF THE BANDS Band of the year: Tribe of Twel – Afolable: An Afro-Lucian adventure Second: Xuvo Carnival band: Her Majesty Third: Fuzion Mas: The Butterfly Effect Best Design: Spirit of Carnival: Xuvo Carnival Band – Her Majesty Best Portrayal: Individual of the year: Adrian Augier – Tribe of Twel Section of the Year: Fuzion Mas – Janus Mas On The Move: Tribe of Twel

J’Ouvert Best Jouvert Band: Back in Times J’ouvert 1st runner up: J’ouvert Jammers 2nd runner up: Mudster’s J’ouvert band

Ole mas Winner: Cuthbert Modeste 1st runner up: Carlton Ishmael 2nd runner up: Robert Calderon

Road March Winner: Edwin – “Call my mother for me.”

Gros Islet Junior Band of the Year

Groovy King crowned by Carnival Queen

Queen of the bands Sharon Tanner – Tribe of Twel

Courts Babonneau Panorama Champs

High Visitor Arrivals for Saint Lucia Carnival Preliminary reports indicate that Saint Lucia saw a high number of visitors flocking to the island particularly during the peak period of the island’s carnival. Tourism Minister Dominic Fedee attributes this to the marketing efforts of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority as well as the work the carnival bands and promoters have been doing in marketing the festival via social media. “The music has also played a major part with the Dennery Segment being a major talking point for our visitors and our tour operators,” Minister Fedee asserts. The island has already broken its own record for visitor arrivals during the first quarter of the year.

Preliminary figures indicated that more than 2,200 visitors came to Saint Lucia for carnival this year. Thousands of Saint lucians from the diaspora also came home for the festival. or the five-month period, January to May, Saint Lucia recorded 185,568 stay-over arrivals; 6.1% more than the same period last year, which makes this the largest number of stay-over arrivals ever recorded in the island’s history.

The month of May was abuzz with activities, including the staging of Saint Lucia Jazz in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center, regional workshops, and visible consistency in airlift especially from the Caribbean region. These all resulted in a total of 34,354 visitor arrivals; 6.4% more than the previous year. Continuing on this trend, the summer months of June, July, August and September, are projected to see continued increases in visitor arrival with Carnival, Mercury Fest and Saint Lucia Roots and Soul adding to the island’s numerous attractions. The just ended Saint Lucia carnival saw many visitors enjoying the event as patrons while many others participated in the parade of the bands on Carnival Monday and Tuesday.

Visitors enjoying Carnival outing

Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet chats with spectators during the parade of the bands

A record number of Carnival fetes were held this year including Teddyson John’s Euphoria featuring Kes and others

Summer Festivals Continue with Roots and Soul

UB40 will bring the curtains down on the 3rd annual Roots and Soul Festival

he third annual Saint Lucia Roots & Soul festival slated for August 23 to 25, 2019 follows Carnival on the Saint Lucia Summer Festival’s calendar and forms part of the schedule of activities set to continue the celebration of the island’s 40th anniversary of independence.

Saint Lucia Roots & Soul kicks off on Friday, August 23, at the new indoor venue The Ramp on Rodney Bay from 8:30 p.m., with a night of spoken word and music, showcasing Saint Lucian born poet, performer, educator and double recipient of Saint Lucia’s Outstanding Youth in Literary and Performing Arts Awards, Curmiah Lisette. The stage also welcomes other Saint Lucian artists, including soulful singer-songwriter of neo-soul, alternative, reggae and calypso genres, Naomie “Ngozi” Grandison who will set the stage for the uncontested homegrown Hip-Hop, Rap and R&B singer, Asher “Smallz” Small. Joining Asher on the Roots & Soul stage will be a talented cast of young Saint Lucians led by the prolific musician and arranger Danyl Daniel. The headline act for the night is Trinidadian Rapso band, 3Canal. Day two of the festival, Saturday August 24 moves to the historic Pigeon Island National Landmark at 6:00 p.m. and will feature homegrown folk-rock band, Skip Monday opening for the flamboyant British pop superstar, Lee John who is proud of his Saint Lucian roots. Award-winning songwriter, producer and performer Nigerian superstar, Timaya will set the stage for provocative Reggae legend, Tarrus Riley featuring British singer-songwriter from West London, Estelle.

Sherwin Dupes Brice one of the many Saint Lucian acts performing on the Roots and Soul stage

The final day of the festival will also be staged at the Pigeon Island National Landmark, starting at 4: 00 p.m. The event will kick off with Saint Lucian-Canadian jazz and R&B balladeer, the young, refreshingly pure yet soulful ZAMANI who will pave the way for Saint Lucian Sherwinn ‘Dupes’ Brice. The curtains will come down on the third annual Saint Lucia Roots & Soul with thrilling performances by R&B duo Ginuwine and Grammy Award Winner Mya, ahead of headline act UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro, arguably the most successful, ageless and timeless reggae group in the world. Their inclusion is a great tie-in as Saint Lucia commemorates its 40th anniversary of independence. With such an amazing lineup, this year’s Saint Lucia Roots & Soul targets a wide crosssection of people from around the world. Earlier this year the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority launched a robust marketing campaign across the United States, Canada and the UK. Taurus Riley and Estelle will feature at Roots and Soul

Saint Lucia Prepares Large Contingent for CARIFESTA

W CARIFESTA XIV.

ith the backing of the Government of Saint Lucia, through the Department of Culture and Creative Industry and the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF), a contingent of more than sixty is in preparation for

The Caribbean Community premier art and culture festival will be held in Trinidad August 16-25, 2019. The theme is “The Tangible and Intangible – Connect, Share, Invest.” Government this year is investing EC$350,000 into Saint Lucia’s participation for the event. Dreina Frederick is the Director of Events and Production at the CDF. She is also directing a production for CARIFESTA called “A Little Folk Tale,” written by Monique Auguste and Jessie Myers. Ms. Frederick spoke to “Our Saint Lucia” about “A Little Folk Tale” and Saint Lucia’s contingent for CARIFESTA. “It is really a tale about what would you do if you were offered an opportunity to solve all your problems, a quick fix sort of. It is about persons relative to poverty, at the end of the rope and they are offered a deal, one that seeks revenge and to have all their problems go away - but at a price,” Frederick explains. She went on to say that the production is an amalgamation of all our folklore stories and characters like “La diablesse” and “Bolom” written in a way to relate to real life situations. “It has a greater message however, asking the questions - when

Dreina Frederick is the Cultural Development Foundation’s Director of Events and Production

you are at the end of your rope what do you do? It is also about love, betrayal, the power of manipulation and showing one’s vulnerability,” Frederick says. “Through this production we are also showing how we can take our own folklore that is significant and make it into something magnificent, that can have mass appeal,” she added. The contingent for CARIFESTA, Dreina Frederick says comprise persons generations apart. A Little Folk Tale was chosen as the center piece for Saint Lucia’s CARIFESTA participation out of the desire of CDF to work more closely with young persons and remain grounded in the community. “After the National Arts Festival, we felt that Saint Lucia had to do something new, something significant and interesting that would get people’s attention. We also decided that because of our mandate of training, why not use the production as a training tool and bridge the gap between generations of persons working in the arts and use it as our long term plans to develop a Saint Lucia National Theatre Arts Company,” Frederick states. The cast of Little Folk Tale was selected after three days of auditions where sixty persons were selected for dance, drama and music Master classes. In the end, it was narrowed to 33 and after weeks of rigid rehearsals a final cast of 31 is ready to take the lead. Dramatist Mc Donald Dixon and Kentillia Louis are behind setting the script to action, while the person behind the musical arrangements is Gregory Piper.

IN THE WORDS of Three CAST MEMBERS “I have been in theatre since 15 in a group that was headed by the late Petronilla Deterville. I am now a member of Youth Spark, headed by Kentillia Louis. In this production I am playing Rosemary and Sophia. This has been a very rewarding experience especially learning about our culture. We got the opportunity to visit the Bele Vue La Rose group and it opened our eyes as we interacted with them and also I was able to make the connection between the solo and the popular Dennery segment. I encourage the Government to keep investing in theatre and the arts and productions like these. It helps young people become inspired, well-rounded and disciplined, which translates to being professional in the work place and their careers in life”.

Steffi-Ann St. Clair

Diane Phillip

“For this production I am a chantwelle and actor playing characters Patra and Suzette. I enjoy them both- Patra actually reminds me a lot of people I know from Gros Islet and Suzete is a young girl trying to stay on the right path and trying to steady a friend taking the wrong path. It has been very intensive with rehearsals most days of the week and digging deep to find the characters, find the emotions - but in the end it will all be worth it.I think persons when they see the final production will be able to delve with us into Saint Lucia’s culture and folk tales with a modern twist. It may also open discourse as to why we make the decisions that we make and question whether everything is always as simply black and white.

Besides the “Little Folk Tale” cast, Saint Lucia’s CARIFESTA contingent will include Theresa Collymore’s School of Ballet. They will be doing a take on traditional dance with a production called “Belelesh” featuring choreography by Richard Ambroise. Four poets; Kendell Hippolyte, Robert Lee, Vladimir Lucien and Ethan Fletcher will also be participating as well as playwright Hayden Forde with his play “Silent Scars”. “This for us at the CDF is indeed a crowning achievement of how far we can reach and that we are only bound by the limitations of our minds. So we are all working together to represent Saint Lucia proudly and to say that when we have to do something really significant that we all have a sense of pride about, that we really come together. This is just one instance that serves as a testimony to that and we are going out there to showcase to the world what we have to offer, Frederick says. DONT MISS “A Little Folk Tale” at the National Cultural Centre on August 9.

“I play Abigail in this production and while it has been a challenge since this is my first time acting, it has been a learning experience for me. I am a dancer and I have had to put aside my dance techniques and become someone new in the person of Abigail. I am enjoying the process although the training has been intense but I am excited about this new chapter. I was part of Saint Lucia’s CARIFESTA contingent to Haiti with the Silver Shadow Dance Company and now I am looking forward once again to being a part of a team that will do Saint Lucia proud in Trinidad.

Crystal Phillip

News Bites Eventful Visit for President of Taiwan

President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Her Excellency Dr. Tsai Ing-wen, received a warm welcome as she arrived in Saint Lucia on Wednesday July 17 for a state visit that concluded on July 19.

Usain Bolt also hosted a number of Saint Lucia’s young sportsmen and women at a special function organized by Sandals Resorts.

CEDAW Discussion in Saint Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet welcomes Japan’s new Ambassador Designate to Saint Lucia, His Excellency Tatsuo Hirayama.

technical training, JICA-JOCV which has dispatched over 100 volunteers here since 1995, Grant Aid and emergency response vehicles. According to the Prime Minister most recently Japan has donated US $1.79 Million for use in Saint Lucia’s Agriculture/ Fisheries sector. Hon. Allen Chastanet went on to reveal that over the coming days, Japan will be providing grant funding for work done at the River Doree Anglican School.

One of the first activities for President Tsai, was the sod-turning ceremony at the St Jude Hospital Reconstruction Site. During her visit to Saint Lucia, President Tsai also called on Governor General H.E. Sir Emmanuel Neville Cenac and addressed a joint session of the Parliament on July 18th on the cordial and mutually beneficial relations between Taiwan and Saint Lucia. Along with her delegation, she also attended the launch of Phase II of the Government Island-wide Network (GiNet), the dedication of the Gros Islet Human Resource Development Centre and a dinner in her honour.

Prime Minister Thanks Japan Prime Minister Allen Chastanet has expressed Saint Lucia’s ‘sincerest gratitude’ for Japan’s generousity and assistance to this country. The Prime Minister made his remarks while welcoming Japan’s new Ambassador Designate to Saint Lucia, His Excellency Tatsuo Hirayama. He recalled that over the years, Saint Lucia has benefited from tremendous support from Japan which includes

Usain Bolt “endorsed” Saint Lucia government’s sports development plans: Chastanet Prime Minister Allen Chastanet took the opportunity recently to share Saint Lucia’s sports vision with legendary retired Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt. The star sprinter was on island as a celebrity guest for one of the events for Saint Lucia’s carnival.

A wide cross section of Saint Lucia’s Law Enforcement and Social Support Agencies recently discussed Saint Lucia’s compliance with the United Nations Human Rights Convention. The forum was hosted by the Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations in collaboration with the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights in Barbados. The focus was the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). In 1982, Saint Lucia ratified CEDAW, which takes an important place in bringing the female half of humanity into the focus of human rights concerns.

Saint Lucian -Owned Swimwear Brand Pas Jalou Makes Miami Jealous Pas Jalou, one of the Caribbean’s top emerging swimwear brands, made its Miami Swim Week debut last weekend. Pas Jalou, the Saint Lucian-owned swimwear brand, was featured in the 2019 Sunday show and shared the runway with brands the likes of Bfyne and SaksFifthAvenue.

Saint Lucia’s Darren Sammy accompanied Bolt during the courtesy call on the office of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister used the opportunity to share with Usain Bolt Government’s plans for sports that includes the upgrading of several sports facilities which is currently underway, the establishment of the School of Sports Excellence from this September and Government’s overall strategy to use sports as a medium to deter our youth from involvement in crime.

“I am excited about the direction the brand is headed and this was an important platform for the exposure of the Pas Jalou brand and a wonderful opportunity for me to grow my industry network. I would like to thank all the persons who have supported me during this process and I encourage other Caribbean designers to continue to push the boundaries,” brand owner and Creative Director Kashima Montoute said.

Connect with US!

Office of the Prime Minister www.facebook.com/opmsaintlucia www.instagram.com/opmsaintlucia

Government of Saint lucia

www.facebook.com/saintluciagovernment

Allen Chastanet

www.facebook.com/allenmchastanet www.twitter.com/allenmchastanet July 17: I really enjoyed this years Carnival celebrations. On Monday, when numerous revellers asked me to “Call My Mother for Me”, I got a gut feeling that this would be this years Road March. Congratulations to Edwin on becoming the 2019 Saint Lucia Carnival Road March King-

Lenard “Spider” Montoute

www.facebook.com/lenardspidermontoute Jun 24 · ‘During the 2016 campaign, I promised that I would assist in creating more opportunities and provide greater support for our local artists, musicians and producers. I am happy to report that we have signed a contract under the Basic Needs Trust Fund for the establishment of a Music Recording Studio in the town of Gros Islet. Upon completion, our musicians will have access to state of the art recording equipment and technical support to help improve the quality of their craft whilst benefiting from assistance which will help take their creations well beyond our borders.’

Dr. Gale T C Rigobert

www.facebook.com/galerigobert758 July 11: Eternally grateful to all the businesses, organizations and volunteers who participated, sponsored and supported and helped make the 2019 Micoud Job & Career Readiness Fair a succes

Bradly Felix

www.facebook.com/bradlyfelix758 June 21 Taking some time to engage some of our hardworking medical students in Santiago de Cuba.

Stephenson King

Mary Isaac

Sarah Flood Beaubrun

Edmund Estephane

Fortuna Belrose

Dominic Fedee

www.facebook.com/stephensonking www.facebook.com/sarahfloodbeaubrun758 www.facebook.com/fortunabelrose758

Ezechiel Joseph

www.facebook.com/maryisaacslu www.facebook.com/edmundestephane758 www.facebook.com/dominicfedee

www.facebook.com/ezechieljoseph758

Herod Stanislas

www.facebook.com/herodstanislas

Guy Joseph

Beware of Fake Facebook Accounts and Profiles. Use only the official accounts as seen here to follow our Ministers.