ST. LUCIA – The next important engagement for the Cultural Development Foundation-CDF, now that Carnival 2006 is history, is the staging of a national symposium. The symposium carded for September this year, will provide the CDF an opportunity to review past carnival festivities and seek a fresh approach to upcoming ones. Director of the Foundation Teddy Francis, said next month’s event is part of efforts to re-brand and improve the festivity.
Francis who made those comments during the prize giving ceremony for Carnival 2006 on Wednesday August 16th said, “We shall ensure that everybody has their input, from police through to tourism officials, through the mass makers, band leaders, in shaping this all important mass.”
Commenting on the prize giving ceremony, almost one month after the close of the 2006 Carnival, Francis says the CDF has been making a concerted effort to ensure that prizes are presented within a one-month time frame following carnival.
According to Francis such immediacy is indicative of the importance that the Foundation has placed on rewarding those who have contributed meaningfully to the art form. “Only in such a way can you inspire confidence on their part in the organization of carnival and certainly the major cultural players-the wider society and the authorities, and show healthy respect from them.”
Vice President – Marketing for Cable and Wireless Premium Gold sponsor of Mass 2006 Cheryl Francis- in congratulating the winners,said the company, is committed to keeping St. Lucia’s cultural traditions, especially carnival alive.
“Our contributions also signify our continued commitment to development of st. Lucia and the progress of our people. We are also delighted that we were able to add our own special touch to this year’s carnival celebrations through the TV program bmobile live,” said the C&W representative.
Among the award recipients were the wining carnival bands, sponsors, Carnival queen contestants, soca artists, media houses, community organizations, and private sector organizations.
