Many Will Eat Because Of Jazz – Stephen Lester Prescott

When we look at the complete abandonment of the St Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival by the previous administration and the return of the festival this year, we see a significant difference where the Philip J. Pierre led administration has offered a festival that is all inclusive.

Over the last few days, we witnessed an incident-free opening of jazz at the Mindoo Philip Park, which brought thousands of locals and visitors together to enjoy a mix of international and local entertainment. The highlight for me was the inclusion of the inaugural Junior Jazz, which provided an opportunity for Saint Lucians to witness some powerful acts by our children and young people. This event was held at the Serenity Park.

For the first time, we saw a main stage jazz event begin with thanks and praise called Kingdom Night. Thousands of Christians and God-serving individuals gathered to witness some of Saint Lucia’s best local talent and Grammy award-winning gospel talent. This comes at no surprise as the Prime Minister is a God-fearing man but was a welcomed addition to the festival. Well done, Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire. You scored big for this one!

The events continued with a showcase of the arts in the city of Castries throughout the week and Pure Jazz music in Rodney Bay.  Tonight, we will witness Caribbean Night with headliner “Buju Banton” and World Beats on Saturday where everyone will want to see “Ayra Starr” and other world-renowned artists of the Afrobeats genre.  The Ultimate Celebration, which will be held on Sunday has always been a celebration of Mother’s Day. “Girl you’re my angel” will be sung at the top of our lungs as we welcome “Shaggy” to the stage and one of my personal favorites, “Sting”!

You see, you may not think this through, but when you sit back and think for a moment, you will realize that your support of this year’s festival contributes, in such a positive way, to the economic development of our nation.
Here’s how:

Barbers will eat. Speculators will eat. Bus drivers, taxi service, hair dressers, makeup artists, beauticians, food vendors, craft vendors, sound engineers, construction workers, electricians, plumbers, caretakers, concierge persons, waiters and waitresses, cleaning companies, chefs, restaurants island wide, tour operators, hotels, Air BnBs, farmers, fishers, mom and pop shops and the list goes on and on and on, of persons who will directly benefit from the production of jazz this year.

It is no wonder the shows are selling out so quickly and the sales have been the greatest since the last big jazz event. It is no wonder that following an A+ budget, the SLP keeps wowing us with the return of one of our biggest economic activities, which pushes a People First agenda.

What I can safely say now is Soleil couché ek Jazz lévé.

Thank you Hon. Prime Minister for sticking to your word. Thank you for bringing life back to Helen. Thank you for putting us first.

Jazz is back!

Photo: Events Saint Lucia