NexConneX and Radiance Productions withdraw from producing VIP experience for WCMF 2025

NexConneX and Radiance Productions have withdrawn from producing VIP experience for this year’s edition of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF).

This was according to a press release from the company’s Facebook Page on Wednesday.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce NexConneX and Radiance Productions will not be producing the VIP experience at the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) 2025,” the release said. “Since 2019, our team has worked tirelessly to raise the bar for the WCMF VIP experience — delivering a level of hospitality, ambiance, and organization that has had a transformative impact on the festival and the image of Dominica globally.”

The release continued, “Through Radiance NexConneX VIP activations, we have directly employed hundreds of Dominicans across a range of multi-disciplinary roles, infusing the local economy with millions of dollars in direct expenditure.”

The release said further that in the past two years alone (2023–2024), the total direct economic circulation from the company’s VIP program exceeded $2.7 million XCD — an achievement exclusive to the VIP segment.

“This figure does not even account for the impressive off-book spending generated by our clientele on luxury accommodations, premium hotels and villas, private transport and curated tours, fine dining and nightlife, as well as shopping and retail experiences throughout Dominica,” the release noted. “Our VIP guests are not only high-spenders; they are distinguished investors, entrepreneurs, celebrities, influencers, and key players from across the Caribbean, North America, and beyond.”

It further noted that their presence at the festival brings lasting value to Dominica, as they often continue to contribute to the island’s growth and profile long after the music fades.

“We are incredibly proud of that legacy,” the release added.

However, after months of delays, missed deadlines, and a prolonged lack of communication, the company said it has no choice but to formally withdraw its interest in producing and curating the VVIP at WCMF 2025.

The decision is outlined in the company’s own words below:

 The Timeline Behind Our Decision

• There has traditionally been a mutually understood timeframe for finalizing contractual arrangements related to the WCMF. Unfortunately, this period came and went without resolution, despite the importance of timely confirmations for adequate planning.
• At the start of the year, we communicated clearly to all relevant stakeholders — including the Discover Dominica Authority, Dominica Festivals Committee, and the Ministry of Tourism — that we would be unable to consider participation in the upcoming festival cycle without the proper closure of prior agreements.
• After an extended delay, we received the outstanding settlement for a previous festival year and once again advised key members of the VIP festival planning committee that any Expression of Interest (EOI) for future participation would be contingent on timely resolution and communication.
• Despite consistent outreach from our team, there was a prolonged period without meaningful engagement. A meeting was eventually convened to address outstanding reporting matters, and our documentation was submitted promptly. However, further follow-up took considerable time before any feedback was received.
• Historically, ticket launches and other major production milestones are initiated by early summer. That benchmark also passed without the necessary groundwork being laid.
• Following the public launch of the upcoming WCMF cycle, we were contacted with concern regarding our absence from the Expression of Interest (EOI) process. We respectfully reiterated that we were still awaiting closure on previous obligations. Senior government offices also became involved in an effort to support a resolution.
• Once the remaining items from past agreements were finalized, we submitted a comprehensive EOI detailing a vision aligned with the significance of this year’s milestone festival. A reasonable timeline was proposed to support effective execution, with a response requested to keep production on track.
• Since that time, no formal feedback has been provided beyond initial acknowledgment, despite further outreach.
• Most recently, we issued a final notice to all involved parties indicating the urgency of the matter and the need for a firm decision. As of now, that final window has elapsed without resolution.

Why This Matters

We know the people of Dominica have been eagerly awaiting news on this year’s VIP experience. Today’s update is not the news we hoped to share — but it is honest.

We acknowledge and respect the current RFP process and the efforts being made to advance this year’s festival. However, at this late stage in the calendar, it is logistically impossible to deliver an experience that meets our professional standard and the expectations of a Jubilee year.

With less than two months remaining, there is simply not enough time to finalize production plans, launch sales, collect deposits, ship materials, and construct the required infrastructure. Especially in today’s uncertain economy — marked by fluctuating tariffs, ongoing conflicts abroad, and the looming hurricane season — unpredictable impacts on our supply chain logistics are compounded by potential budgetary constraints, limiting our ability to adapt without bearing personal financial risk.

The reality is: global shipping alone takes 45+ days, not to mention procurement, staffing, and marketing timelines.

Therefore, we have made the difficult decision to withdraw our interest in continuing our role or participating in this year’s process.

A Final Word

We are deeply grateful for the love and support from our patrons, partners, and the Dominican public. As proud Dominicans ourselves, it has always been our privilege and honor to conceptualize, launch, and evolve the VIP experience — driven first and foremost by our love for country. Over the years, our motivation has been rooted in a desire to give back, to elevate our national festival, and to celebrate the vibrant culture that makes Dominica unique.

Throughout our stewardship, we made it a priority to integrate and showcase elements that celebrate the soul of Dominica’s cultural heritage. One of the cherished traditions was the inclusion of Earl Etienne’s art studio at the festival, offering patrons a chance to experience the creative genius of this local master. When Earl passed, we honored his memory with a dedicated memorial, paying tribute to his enduring legacy as a Dominican icon.

We also curated features highlighting Dominica’s most influential leaders and cultural custodians over the years. WCMF VIP celebrated the immense contributions of luminaries such as Alwin Bully, Lennox Honeychurch, and others whose life’s work helped shape our island’s artistic and intellectual landscape. These thoughtfully crafted tributes brought a deep sense of meaning and pride to each edition of the festival, underscoring our unwavering attention to detail and commitment to authentic cultural representation.

Through innovation, careful curation, and a deep commitment to service and national pride, we have worked tirelessly to uphold the highest standards. We believe in the importance of the World Creole Music Festival and remain committed to Dominica’s cultural and creative industries.

We thank the DDA, DFC, and MoT for the opportunity over the past six years, and we sincerely hope that the festival continues to grow in strength, quality, and reputation.

We remain fully supportive of the festival’s vision and wish them every success in the planning and execution of this year’s event. We look forward to exploring opportunities for future collaboration.

We are grateful for the relationships we’ve built and the memories we’ve created alongside the Dominican people. We step back with pride in what we accomplished — and with peace in knowing that we upheld the standard of excellence at every stage.

We remain committed to excellence and look forward to producing organized, world-class events in Dominica in the near future — where planning, respect, and execution align.

Thank you for your understanding and continued belief in our work.

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