Tourism Minister Denise Charles continues to encourage private sector entities to strengthen their partnership with the government so that the standards of Dominica’s Carnival and other festivals can surpass expectations every year.
She made the remark while delivering the featured address at the official opening of Carnival 2023 held on the weekend.
“I continue to encourage the private sector to strengthen their partnership with the government so that the standard of our carnival and other festivals can surpass expectations every year,” she said. “You stand to benefit the most.”
Charles continued, “Food and beverage suppliers, hotels, restaurants, bars, and telecoms.”
Furthermore, she said the government of Dominica will contribute up to $25,000 to support costume bands.
“We will also continue to sponsor village Mas,” she stated.
Charles hopes that with the additional investment, this Carnival can surpass the 2019 visitor arrival figure.
She went on to state that Dominica’s Carnival accounts for the highest number of visitors and Dominican nationals abroad who descend on Dominica to experience its authentic culture
“Great food, pageantry, street parade, village Mas, Viva La Carnival, Souse and Punch, Calypso shows and all other signature events which really makes our Carnival diverse, captivating and truly an enticing experience,” she stated.
She encourages all Dominicans to support the village launch of the queen contestants and ensure the Carnival Village is packed on February 16, “as we come out in large numbers to support our five beautiful, creative, inspiring young women vying for the title of Miss Dominica 2023.”
“We invite visitors especially from the French West Indies, the United States, United Kingdom, France, Canada, and the Caribbean region to join our celebrations and be a part of the most original Carnival in the world,” Charles said.
She thanked all the sponsors who have come on board thus far in support of the contestants.
Meantime, Charles announced that the 2023 Jazz N Creole Festival to be held at Fort Shirley in Portsmouth is set for April 30.
“This is why the Government of Dominica continues to invest in festivals in order to welcome even more visitors to our beautiful island,” she indicated. “So even if we are here celebrating the opening of Carnival City please book your flights for Jazz N Creole which is carded for April 30 and the World Creole Music Festival for October 27 to 29.”
Charles added, “It is going to be our 45th Creole Festival so get ready.”
The request that you are making requires capital; capital which is not now available in Dominica. Hence, your request is impossible to fulfill. Get people employed and increase the salaries of those who are already employed. Make the society equitable where everyone can thrive based on their abilities rather than their loyalties and we will be able to make everything, to include carnival, great.
Carnival was borne out of the belly of the people. It was not reliant on government funding or commercial sponsorship. It was not about attracting visitors or the tourists’ dollar.
In alienating Carnival from its roots we diminish its authenticity.
Maybe instead of being upstairs Pablo’s house on Great George Street, you should have been in a costume and in the parade.
What standards is she talking about? Dominicas carnival has very little standards the same way the government of Dominica has very little standards.