General

Stakeholders are hailing the opening of the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival and its accompanying fringe events as a major success, citing record attendance, strong community participation, and seamless execution across multiple venues.

Tourism and Investment Minister, Ernest Hilaire, at a media engagement on May 4, reported that this year’s opening at the Mindoo Philip Park in Marchand surpassed previous figures. 

“Last year we had recorded 10,600 plus patrons. This year we would have topped this with over 12,000 patrons at the opening,” he said.

According to the Minister, the event proceeded without incident and set a positive tone for the rest of the festival calendar.

“From all accounts, it was incident-free, very successful,” he noted, adding that momentum carried into the weekend’s community-based activities.

Community Jazz events in Anse La Raye and Choiseul drew favourable reviews, with particular praise for performances by George ‘Fish’ Alphonse. 

“I attended one of them, and I can tell you, it was very well-received. Typical George ‘Fish’ Alphonse style. It was really, really exciting in Anse La Raye and in Choiseul,” Hilaire said.

Even unexpected challenges failed to dampen the atmosphere. “Not even the blackouts stopped the vibe in Choiseul. We were still able to enjoy Choiseul,” he added.

Soufrière Jazz also recorded high turnout, continuing the upward trend in audience engagement. “Again, we saw record numbers at Soufriere Jazz, and patrons had a fantastic time,” the Minister stated.

Hilaire emphasized the growing role of communities in shaping the festival’s success, noting improvements in organization and execution at the local level.

“Communities are putting on better organized and managed events, which really says a lot,” he said, pointing to the expansion of the arts component into Vieux Fort and other areas as a positive development.

This year’s programme reflects a strategic shift towards broader participation, with 12 Community Jazz events compared to 7 national shows. Organizers are also anticipating strong attendance at the upcoming Anse Ferre Sunset Jazz on May 7 along the Millennium Highway.

In a further boost for local creatives, Hilaire revealed that Saint Lucian dancers will feature prominently on the main stage alongside international acts. 

“The International Artists’ Committee will be using Saint Lucia dancers as part of their productions, and for us, that’s massive,” he said. “We’ve never had our local dancers get an opportunity where they will go global, albeit in Saint Lucia, but they will be on a global stage.”

With attendance climbing and community engagement deepening, officials say the festival continues to evolve into a more inclusive and nationally integrated cultural product.

Tourism and Investment Minister Ernest Hilaire has sought to allay concerns over potential disruptions to Saint Lucia’s airlift capacity following the closure of Spirit Airlines, emphasizing that the airline did not operate routes to the island and that broader market dynamics remain unchanged.

Responding to questions during a media engagement on Monday, May 4, Hilaire noted that while the collapse of any carrier raises regional concerns, its direct impact on Saint Lucia is limited. 

“Spirit, like you said, did not fly to Saint Lucia. And they flew a lot in the southwest of the United States,” he explained.

He acknowledged, however, that airlift remains an ongoing vulnerability for small island states that rely heavily on external carriers. 

“We do not own an airline. We do not own or have investments in airlines. So, we are at the mercy of others. We are price takers. We negotiate and we try to encourage the airlines to fly,” Hilaire said.

The minister indicated that fluctuations in airline operations are an inherent part of the tourism industry and must be factored into national planning. 

“Sometimes you do not worry about the things you cannot control or influence. In your calculations, in your analysis, you state them as taken. You take what exists. You anticipate what may be. But then you still have to always be ready to take it for what it is,” he added.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding global aviation, Hilaire pointed to strong current demand for travel to Saint Lucia, particularly from the United States. 

“We have seen all the flights coming in from the United States literally booked. This is the season for it. There is jazz, and then it takes a lull, and we go into carnival when it will peak again,” he said.

He stressed that the government remains vigilant and proactive in maintaining and expanding airlift options. 

“We are always concerned, we are always looking at what is happening, and we just have to continue to work to get as many airlines as possible coming to Saint Lucia,” Hilaire stated.

The minister’s remarks underscore the delicate balance faced by tourism-dependent economies, where external market forces can shape visitor arrivals, even as local authorities work to sustain growth through strategic engagement with international carriers.

The Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat (SAACS) within the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition has launched a nationwide campaign aimed at deterring smoking and raising awareness about its health risks, particularly amid growing concerns over vaping and increased public use of tobacco and cannabis products.

In a video statement released on May 4, Acting Deputy Coordinator of SAACS, Caleb Paul, underscored the urgency of addressing what he described as an emerging public health challenge, pointing to a rise in smoking-related illnesses across Saint Lucia.

“The main aim is to bring the truth out as it pertains to the harms associated with all types of smoking and we know that it’s important for the time that we find ourselves in Saint Lucia with the epidemic of illnesses like COPD,” Paul said. 

He added that the initiative is focused on prevention, particularly among young people. 

“We really want to take a preventative step especially saving our young persons from reaching to that point where they have to be hooked up to some type of oxygen or struggling to take their next breath. So, it’s really a matter of saving the next generation from these issues.”

The campaign will adopt a multi-sectoral approach, targeting priority groups including the business community, schools, event organizers and wider communities. 

A key feature involves the use of peer educators drawn from youth and sporting groups to help amplify the message.

“We are using peer helpers, persons who are parts of sports groups and other young groups that target young persons, and we’ll be training them how to develop those messages, giving them the information as well as to the dangers associated to all types of smoking,” Paul explained.

Workplace engagement will also form a critical pillar of the initiative, with SAACS offering presentations and training sessions to organizations seeking to address substance use among employees. 

“We’ll be doing presentations at the workplaces, we’ll be having trainings at these workplaces, again targeting workplaces where we observe persons having these issues,” he said, while encouraging businesses to request sessions through the Secretariat.

Public awareness will be driven through an extensive media campaign spanning both traditional and digital platforms. 

“Persons will see through social media our different products through public service announcements. Persons would see billboards going up in their communities with images that will catch their attention, and we want persons to interact with these messages when they see them,” Paul noted.

He added that the campaign will leverage widely used platforms to maximize reach and engagement. 

“You would see them through your WhatsApp, through your Instagram, you would see these billboards, and we want you to share it with persons around you, in your social groups so everyone can hear the message. So, you would see us on the television at your favorite shows both radio and television.”

Officials say sustained public participation and cross-sector collaboration will be essential in reducing smoking rates and mitigating long-term health risks across the island.

In a judgment delivered on April 28, 2026, the High Court has awarded substantial damages to two men who were unlawfully detained for decades, describing the State’s conduct as a “prolonged and systemic failure” that breached their constitutional right to personal liberty.

In Henry and Noel v Attorney General of Saint Lucia, Justice Alvin Pariagsingh assessed compensation following a ruling by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, which had already determined that the claimants’ detention was unlawful.

The Court’s task was confined to quantifying damages on what it termed a “proper basis”.

Anthony Henry, who was detained for approximately 24 years, was awarded EC$1.25 million in compensatory damages, along with EC$100,000 in vindicatory damages. Francis Noel, who spent more than 32 years in detention, received EC$1.5 million in compensatory damages and EC$120,000 in vindicatory damages.

Justice Pariasingh noted at paragraph 6 that, “The duration of detention, approximately 24 years in the case of Mr. Henry and over 32 years in the case of Mr. Noel, is without parallel in this jurisdiction and places this case at the most serious end of the spectrum of constitutional violations.” 

The learned High Court judge added in paragraph 78 that the sums awarded reflected the circumstances of the Claimants’ detention. 

“In the Court’s view, these figures represent a fair and proportionate measure of compensation, reflecting: the gravity and duration of the constitutional breaches…” 

The Court also awarded the State to pay the Claimants’ agreed legal costs within 21 days.

The following is a press release from Events Saint Lucia:

The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) is advising all patrons of the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts  Festival 2026 to adhere strictly to official ticketing guidelines following the detection of fraudulent ticket activity during Opening Night on Thursday, April 30th at Mindoo Philip Park. 

To safeguard patrons and ensure seamless entry to all festival events, enhanced validation systems and strict ticketing protocols have been implemented. 

Patrons are advised as follows: 

• Download your tickets prior to arrival at the venue  

• Purchase tickets only from authorised outlets and online at: 

www.saintluciajazzandartsfestival.com 

• Do not purchase tickets from unauthorised sellers  

• Absolutely do not purchase electronic tickets from third parties  

• Photographs or screenshots of physical tickets will not be accepted for entry  • Electronic invitations are not valid for entry  

• Robust verification systems are in place to detect fraudulent tickets  

Patrons found in possession of invalid or fraudulent tickets will be denied entry. 

The SLTA thanks the public for its cooperation as we work to protect the integrity of the festival and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. 

For more information, visit: 

www.saintluciajazzandartsfestival.com

A new leadership team has been elected to head the Saint Lucia Civil Service Association following a closely watched and highly competitive poll on Wednesday, April 29, marked by a record number of candidates and heightened member engagement.

With twenty-seven contenders on the ballot, anticipation had been building for what many viewed as a pivotal moment in the union’s direction. Election Commission member Ananias Auguste pointed to a steady rise in participation over recent cycles. 

“During my first term, we had about 400 and something voters out of 3,000 members… the second election we had more, we had seven, almost 800,” he said. “This time around… I am expecting a far better turnout, because there is a lot of activity, a lot of campaigning taking place, and a lot of candidates.”

Auguste noted that extensive logistical arrangements were put in place to accommodate voters across the island. 

“We have 10 polling stations in all. Three are mobile… we have tried to facilitate their voting by bringing out the polling stations to them,” he explained.

By 9:30 pm, the results were declared, confirming Nickson Barry as President with 256 votes. Samantha Auguste secured the position of 1st Vice President with 401 votes, while Andrew Charles was elected 2nd Vice President with 345 votes. The post of 3rd Vice President went to Kim Willie, who received 459 votes.

In the other executive positions, Gezielle Warrington was elected Treasurer with 452 votes, Monica Cyril-Joseph became Secretary with 230 votes, and Stacy Placide was chosen as Assistant Secretary-Treasurer with 398 votes.

The newly elected Trustees are Sheba Regis with 471 votes, Geof George with 446 votes, and Mary James with 298 votes.

The scale of the contest and the breadth of participation are being seen as indicators of renewed interest in the union’s governance, with the incoming executive expected to navigate ongoing concerns around transparency, accountability and organizational direction.

A renewed push to preserve Saint Lucia’s cultural heritage is taking shape with a significant investment in steelpan, as the Diamond Steel Orchestra receives new instruments in preparation for the island’s first-ever Schools Panorama competition.

The initiative forms part of a broader effort by the government to strengthen youth engagement in the arts while safeguarding traditional forms central to Saint Lucia Carnival.

Tourism Minister Ernest Hilaire underscored the cultural importance of the move, noting that preservation remains a central focus. 

“One of the four pillars of Saint Lucia Carnival is the issue of cultural preservation and of sustainability,” he said. “For us, it is important that we ensure that the traditions and the art forms live on.”

He highlighted the introduction of a new platform for young musicians. 

“We have had Junior Panorama before, but we never had a schools competition. So, we are going to have one for the first time this year,” Hilaire explained, adding that government support is critical to sustaining Steelband development. “The ministry has made it very clear in our work programme that we have to provide support for the pan sides.”

Prime Minister Philip J Pierre reflected on the longstanding role of the orchestra within the community, particularly in Castries East.

“Diamond Steel was a feature of the constituency, a feature of the people,” he said, recalling its early days. He pointed to the sense of unity fostered by the movement, adding, “I saw the unity, the love, what pan did for them.”

Founder of the orchestra, Gregory Emmanuel, described the moment as a turning point after years of inactivity. 

“It is a wonderful day for us, the members of Diamond Steel and the community of Marchand,” he said. “We have been dormant for about 13 years.”

Emmanuel emphasized the social impact of the group over the years. 

“Diamond Steel has been a source of refuge, a source of discipline, and as you all know, a household name… not only in the community of Marchand and Castries East, but Saint Lucia by extension,” he stated. “With this new venture of the rebirth of Diamond Steel, we will take it a long way.”

The investment signals a renewed commitment to youth development through culture, with officials hopeful that the Schools Panorama competition will cultivate the next generation of pannists while reinforcing steelpan’s place at the heart of Saint Lucia’s identity.

Young performers took center stage in Castries as the Junior Jazz Festival returned for its fourth edition, drawing strong support and highlighting the depth of emerging talent in Saint Lucia.

Being held at Serenity Park on April 29 and 30, the two-day event forms part of the wider Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival and continues to serve as a platform for youth expression in music and performance.

Mayor of Castries Geraldine Lendor Gabriel said the festival is fulfilling its core purpose of nurturing creativity among young people. 

“What Junior Jazz is doing is exactly what we wanted it to do, to bring out the young people, to make them showcase to the world what their talent is,” she stated. 

“Arts and creativity is really in the domain of the young persons and so this stage is so important.”

She also pointed to added training opportunities that enhanced this year’s programme. 

“What is good this year is that we had Boo Hinkson doing a special training for the participants. We also saw Robert Rennie doing some voice training as well,” she said.

Demand for participation has continued to grow, according to the Mayor, who acknowledged the challenges of accommodating all interested groups. 

“The schools, the participants, the demand to come in… we do not like to turn anybody away but there is only that much we can do in two days,” she explained. 

She added that increased parental involvement has been a positive development. 

“We have seen a lot more of the parents coming in to support the youngsters when they do their training… and that is good. So, all of this is going across the society in a good way.”

Director of Junior Jazz Colin Weekes emphasized the broader significance of the event for national pride and cultural development. 

“It means more for me that they are part of this, and people are seeing the young talent that Saint Lucia has,” he said. “We just want to know that we put on a good show that we are all proud of, that all of the world is proud of, that it is coming out of Saint Lucia.”

Weekes noted that organizers are focused on maintaining high standards as the festival grows. 

“I think we have a benchmark to accomplish here, and I think that we are doing it with the atmosphere that we have, the grounds, the talent that we have on stage,” he added. “We just want to keep up the momentum.”

The continued expansion of Junior Jazz reflects a broader commitment to cultivating the island’s creative industries, with organizers and officials alike pointing to its role in shaping the next generation of cultural ambassadors.

External Affairs Minister Alva Baptiste has defended the government’s economic record in the face of opposition criticism over a projected downturn, arguing that single-year figures should not define the country’s fiscal performance.

Speaking during the Appropriations Bill debate, Baptiste pointed to a preliminary estimate from the statistics department indicating a contraction of 0.6 per cent for the current year. He cautioned, however, against drawing firm conclusions from early data. 

“It is important to emphasize that this figure remains preliminary and subject to revision,” he said.

The Minister urged that the estimate be viewed within the context of recent economic gains. 

“It must be considered within the broader context of the economy’s strong performance between 2021 and 2024,” Baptiste noted, adding that the country experienced “sustained growth with cumulative expansion of approximately 30 per cent” over that period.

He further explained that year-on-year comparisons can be influenced by unusually strong preceding performances. 

“Given that 2024 was a record-breaking year, a modest decline relative to that high base remains a credible outcome,” he said.

Baptiste also highlighted the historical tendency for initial growth figures to be revised as more comprehensive data becomes available. Citing official reviews, he noted that the 2023 growth estimate was first reported at 2.2 per cent before being revised upward to 3.9 per cent. 

“I highlight these examples… to underscore the point that preliminary growth estimates are not final and are routinely revised,” he stated.

At the same time, the Minister acknowledged the need to address structural challenges to sustain momentum. 

“This clearly underscores the need to address these constraints to sustain future growth,” he said, pointing to policy measures advanced by the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance.

Baptiste’s remarks position the current economic outlook within a broader developmental trajectory, as the government seeks to balance short-term fluctuations with longer-term growth objectives.

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.