Saint Lucia Carnival 2009 heats up

ST. LUCIA – Amidst the cool vibe of the just ended St. Lucia Jazz, things began heating up for Saint Lucia Carnival 2009.

The Cultural Development Foundation (CDF), recently held a press briefing to provide the public with a preview of the expectations for this year’s carnival celebrations. Carnival 2009 will be held under the theme “Nothing Sweeter Dan Dat”.

CDF Executive Director, Kennedy “Boots” Samuel described Saint Lucian Carnival as “a gathering of the tribes across all of these artificial barriers that have been put among us.

“It is very important to us. It is a time when we reflect and create ourselves for the world and show the world what we are beautiful people, rich people; a time when we build our community identity, because together we express this, and we say this is who we are,” he said.

Samuel said this year’s approach will engage active participation by all sectors, and all citizens should embrace the event as their own, and not the responsibility of a single entity like the CDF.

“Carnival may probably be the biggest medicine for the stress and the pressure that these times are putting on us. And participation is encouraged despite the economic situation and social pressures that are around,” said Samuel.

Samuel advised Saint Lucians to let go of ‘political and social divisions and inhibitions’ and to come together to celebrate unity.