Tourism and Investment Minister Ernest Hilaire says the Government continues to shoulder significant financial responsibility for Saint Lucia’s Carnival and calypso productions, while warning that promoters and band leaders are operating under mounting economic pressure.
Speaking on the cost of Carnival events, Hilaire acknowledged concerns from members of the public about ticket prices for private shows but argued that the expense of staging large-scale productions has increased substantially.
“There will be events that will be introduced for the public to enjoy at no cost,” Hilaire explained. “So for example, we’re looking to bring back Lime Jam. You remember the old Lime Jam, to bring it back. Nobody has to pay as such, and you can enjoy yourself at low cost.”
The minister maintained that many of the official Carnival events remain reasonably priced.
“When you look at the cost of tickets for Calypso finals, for Soca finals, for King and Queen of the Bands, Panorama, they’re very, very, very affordable,” he said. “So the prices are not keeping out the public.”
However, Hilaire said patrons seeking premium party experiences should expect higher costs.
“But if you want to go to private shows, you have to be prepared to pay the price,” he remarked. “You cannot want to go for the finesse and for the high valued experience and not want to pay the cost of it.”
According to Hilaire, many promoters are struggling financially despite public perceptions that Carnival bands and event organizers generate large profits.
“The truth is, to be honest with you, they cost money to put on,” he stated.
Hilaire rejected suggestions that Carnival has become over-commercialized, arguing instead that promoters are often attempting simply to recover operational expenses.
“I don’t know that we have over-commercialized Carnival,” he said. “I think in many ways, a lot of the promoters have to make back their money.”
The minister noted that corporate sponsorship for Carnival and sporting activities has declined significantly compared to previous years.
“I recall in the early days when we ran Carnival, I can’t remember the amount of money we used to raise for sponsorship. That doesn’t really exist anymore,” he explained.
Hilaire said many band leaders face considerable financial risks to keep Carnival productions alive.
“Sometimes people have to put up mortgages and put up all kinds of stuff just to get cash flow to make it happen for the year,” he disclosed. “It’s overdrafts and a lot of stress and pressure, sleepless nights and you’re worrying what can happen and what may go wrong to make it happen.”
He added that even when sponsorship is secured, organizers are often required to provide complimentary tickets in return, reducing the actual value of the contribution.
“When you get $5,000 sponsorship, the amount of free tickets you have to give them is $3,000 worth,” Hilaire said. “So the landscape has changed a lot.”
The minister also stressed that government support remains essential to the survival of calypso tents in Saint Lucia.
“For Calypso Tent to take place in Saint Lucia, the Government of Saint Lucia has to sponsor it,” he declared. “That’s the truth.”
“If we don’t sponsor Calypso Tent, there will be no Calypso Tent in Saint Lucia,” Hilaire added. “Government pays for just about everything for Calypso Tent to be organized in Saint Lucia. If we don’t do it, no Calypso Tent, no competition. That’s the reality.”