Saint Lucia is mourning the loss of one of its most influential cultural figures, as renowned Carnival designer and band leader Dylan Pitcairn has died at the age of 72 following a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.
Pitcairn, widely regarded as a driving force behind the evolution of Lucian Carnival, leaves behind a legacy defined by creativity, resilience, and an enduring passion for the art form.
His contributions spanned decades, earning him multiple Band of the Year titles, acclaim for his King and Queen costume designs, and national recognition, including the Gold Medal awarded earlier this year.
His brother, Collin Weekes, reflected on his final days and the determination that marked his life.
“He suffered with prostate cancer for a long time and the fight, oh he had fight… we really thought he would have passed a few months ago and he basically fought hard,” he said. Weekes recalled a recent moment that captured Pitcairn’s resilience.
“We started praying and he opened his eyes… that is the kind of fight and resilience he had. That is what I will remember.”
Carnival, he added, was at the center of Pitcairn’s world. “Usually when Carnival is done, two days later he will call me and tell me, look at the costume I designed already for next year,” Weekes said. “No matter what it is, his mind was always just Carnival.”
Tributes have also come from public officials, including House Speaker Claudius Francis, who remembered Pitcairn beyond the Carnival arena.
“We became close friends when I joined the insurance fraternity. Dylan preceded me in the insurance business,” Francis noted, highlighting his leadership roles within the sector. “He was once the general manager of Caribbean General Insurance… and later opened his own brokerage firm.”
Pitcairn’s passing marks the end of an era for Saint Lucia’s Carnival landscape.
His artistry helped shape the identity of the festival, transforming it into a vibrant showcase of culture, craftsmanship and imagination. As tributes continue to pour in, he is being remembered not only for his creative brilliance, but for the passion and perseverance that defined his life’s work.
The management and staff of REV-UP SLU extend our heartfelt condolences to Dylan Pitcarin’s wife Cheryl, as well as his family and friends. We are deeply sorry for your loss.