Chief Cultural Officer says some aspects of Carnival to be reviewed and revamped

Acting Chief Cultural Officer assigned to the Dominica Festivals Committee (DFC), Earlson Matthew believes that consideration must be given to developing a permanent festival and events venue. He was delivering remarks at the final Carnival press conference held this week.

Mas Domnik 2024 featured over 65 official events island-wide, 13 of which were staged at the stadium forecourt. This included village carnivals, calypso shows and competitions, pageants, contestant launches, traditional events, and much more.

“Going forward we need to give due consideration to developing a permanent festival and events venue.,” Matthew said.

He said also that the T-shirt band on Tuesdays is up for review.

Over the past week, the DDA had various stakeholders’ discussions, to analyze “what worked, what didn’t work, and how we can improve on the product.”

“I have noticed the public’s biggest gripe is that they feel like they have not been given a listening ear over the years,” Matthew revealed.

Additionally, there is the concern that the level of investment should better reflect the vision of Mas Domnik.

“So, as we work towards that common goal let us be sure to pay attention to details and consider feedback from all walks of life,” he noted.

Meanwhile, he said Mas Domnik 2024 was free from major incidents.

“As we continue to uphold the label of the Caribbean’s safest, most original, and most inclusive Carnival, I said at an earlier press conference that this is not only credited to the great work of the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force but also a different energy from the public and the acceptance that we all constitute the Dominica Brand,” Matthew stated.

He thanked the bands, DJs, traditional groups, contestants, chaperones, committee members, the police, revelers, onlookers, volunteers, sponsors, small business owners, service providers, and the media among others for making Mas Domnik 2024 the grand spectacle that it was.

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