THE MINISTER FOR TOURISM UNDERSCORED THE VALUE OF SPONSORSHIP TO THE CONTINUITY OF THE FESTIVAL.

The official Sponsors Cheque Presentation for the 2025 Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival was held on March 27.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries and officials including the Minister for Tourism, Investment, Culture and Creative Industries, Dr Ernest Hilaire, Chairman of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA), Thaddeus Antoine, and CEO of the SLTA, Louis Lewis.

During his remarks, the Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire spoke on the need for continued support for the festival.

“We need to reflect on how critical partners are for making this festival a success. We are appreciative and want to express gratitude for all the support that you've given over the years. We want to make a special appeal for more support for the community jazz festivals.”

He underlined the  positive impact of community jazz on districts throughout the island.

“ The community element of the festival is growing. Last year for the first time we had Inspiration, Jazz Hills and Valleys in Bexon, and I'm looking forward to see what will they produce this year. But we now have another community and a new venue in Micoud. I mentioned earlier the importance of the community festivals for economic empowerment in the communities, but it is also an opportunity for community talent to come to the fore. It is an opportunity now for the best musical talents in the communities to get an opportunity to showcase their talents. It is an opportunity for persons involved in sound engineering and event management, decor and all different economic activities to come to the fore.”

The sponsors of the 2025 Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival include Bank of Saint Lucia Ltd, LUCELEC, Republic Bank, DHL and UNICOMER.