Tourism and Investment Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire has described the recently concluded 2026 Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival as one of the strongest editions in recent years, while defending government investment in the event amid criticism over profitability.
Speaking during the May 11 pre-cabinet press briefing, Hilaire praised the festival’s artistic quality, community engagement, and international exposure, arguing that the event serves broader national objectives beyond direct financial returns.
Reflecting on the main stage performances, Hilaire highlighted the inclusion of Saint Lucian talent in international productions.
“A masterful production and presentation by Monica and Brandy,” the minister stated. “And for us, what made it even special were the little taste of Saint Lucia, you know, in their overall production. And one of their dancers is in fact a Saint Lucian, Terry Arnold.”
He added that it was “really good to see him, you know, on stage representing Saint Lucia,” noting that the artists also incorporated “little snippets, little taste of our music in the overall production.”
Hilaire also pointed to the use of local dancers by another international act during the festival.
“The night before, Tems’ dancers were actually from Saint Lucia. She used local dancers in her production,” he said. “And that too says a lot, I mean, about how far our dance troupes, our dancers, as creatives are coming.”
According to the minister, Saint Lucian performers have increasingly gained international exposure through appearances at events such as Expo Dubai and Expo Osaka.
“They would have been in Dubai at Expo. They would have been in Osaka at Expo. And really showing the levels that they have reached,” he said.
Hilaire also noted that Saint Lucia is already looking ahead to participation in the World Exposition on Culture and Sports in Belgrade next year.
The minister commended the growth of the festival’s community component, describing the community festivals as “very well organized” and “very well attended.”
“We will continue to push for the community festivals to become platforms for our new and emerging artists,” he explained.
Hilaire singled out young guitarist Kyle Ernest, who performed on the main stage this year.
“You would have seen yesterday, young Kyle Ernest would have been featured on this main stage as a guitarist,” he said. “We all love Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson and some of the other more prominent guitarists. And to see a young person get an opportunity now to be on main stage and to be covered internationally.”
Turning to the arts programme, Hilaire said this year’s offering may have been the strongest to date.
“Personally, I believe it was probably the best that we’ve had in terms of the organization, the diversity of experiences and expressions that one would have witnessed and experienced,” he stated.
He pointed to initiatives including “three theatrical productions” and “the culinary night in honor of Chef Harry as part of the ICON series” as standout elements of the festival.
The minister disclosed that discussions are already underway for next year’s edition.
“Already, we’re starting to think about next year,” he said. “There’s a lot going through our heads in terms of how do we make the festival better each year, how to make it more meaningful, and how to make it more impactful.”
Hilaire acknowledged that global economic conditions and travel costs may have affected attendance figures this year.
“I’ve not seen the numbers, the final numbers, but I did indicate to you earlier that we would expect a decline in numbers given the state of the world right now and traveling and cost of traveling,” he explained.
Despite criticism that the festival is not profitable, Hilaire rejected the notion that public events should be judged solely on financial returns.
“People commented about it’s not profitable. Investing in education is not profitable in terms of dollars and cents. Investing in health is not profitable,” he said. “No hospital, Victoria Hospital is never profitable. You know, OKEU as a hospital is not going to be profitable.”
He argued that the Jazz and Arts Festival fulfils broader national objectives, particularly in promoting Saint Lucia internationally.
“First and foremost, the Jazz Festival serves as a major marketing tool for Saint Lucia,” Hilaire declared. “Saint Lucia has gotten to be known internationally in many ways because of the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival.”
According to Hilaire, the festival also plays a key role in positioning Saint Lucia as a premium events destination.
“It also helps us a lot in terms of the positioning of Saint Lucia as an events festival destination, a premium events destination,” he said.
The minister linked the festival to wider ambitions surrounding conferences, cultural tourism, and large-scale events, particularly with planned developments such as the proposed conference center at A’Ila and the Grand Hyatt project in the south.
“We’re going to make Saint Lucia the premier events destination in the Caribbean,” Hilaire stated.
While acknowledging that the festival is not designed as a mass-market event, Hilaire said its identity lies in its sophistication and unique atmosphere.
“It’s not a mega event in the sense of 100,000 people, but it is a very chic, sophisticated festival that has a finesse about it, and it’s consistent with our overall positioning,” he said.
He maintained that the festival’s value cannot be reduced to ticket sales and sponsorship revenue alone.
“It’s never going to be about that,” Hilaire asserted.