Luann Hadaway, chair of the National Lotteries Authority (NLA), the biggest sponsor of Vincymas, has pledged continued support for the festival, even as she urged that it be approached as a business.
Earlier this year, Hadaway became the first woman to chair the board of the NLA, which was established in 1984 to support sports and culture.
Speaking at the media launch of this year’s festival, she reaffirmed the NLA’s commitment to the partnership with Vincymas.
“We believe in Vincymas and we believe in the importance to St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” she said.
“Our sponsorship is not simply about funding an event, it is about preserving our heritage, strengthening our creative industries and creating real opportunities for our people.”
Hadaway, however, said that the new board of the NLA recognises that it is the custodian of its funds.
“With that responsibility comes a clear obligation to ensure that every dollar is managed with care, integrity and purpose,” she said.
“We therefore encourage prudent spending, strong governance and full accountability for all recipients of the National Lotteries Authority sponsorship. This is essential, not only for transparency, but for the long-term sustainability and credibility of institutions and events we support.”
She said NLA’s sponsorship of Vincymas represents its single largest financial undertaking, adding, “and as such, it must continue to reflect value, impact and excellence in execution.
“Importantly, Vincymas must also be seen and treated as a business. It must generate income to ensure that there are sufficient startup funds for the next festival.
“In that regard, Vincymas must evolve into a year-round business venture, one that continuously creates opportunities, builds partnerships and generates revenue to support its long-term growth and independence.”
Hadaway said that as SVG’s premier festival, Vincymas must continue to broaden its scope.
“It must remain a platform that truly showcases the depth of talent we have right here at home. We want to see more of our young and emerging artistes given the opportunity to shine alongside our established performers.”
The NLA chair said the festival must reflect” the full richness of Vincentian talent at every level.
“As we continue to invest, we also encourage a shared commitment to excellence, ensuring that Vincymas develops in a way that is sustainable, well organised and impactful for all.”
She said the festival is not only about enjoyment.
“It is about opportunity. It supports livelihoods, drives economic activity and builds national pride,” Hadaway said.
Meanwhile, speaking at the same event, Minister of Culture and Creative Industries, Kaschaka Cupid, noted the financial benefits derived from cultural celebrations in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
He said that artistes use the festival to express themselves, adding that some of them are receiving national, regional and international recognition.
He pledged the government’s support for the Carnival Development Corporation, the state-owned company charged with organising Vincymas.
“However, I would like to encourage a number of our corporate sponsors to come on board. I encourage, I implore you, Carnival has a number of benefits.”
Cupid said the creative industry has a significant part to play in the growth of the Vincentian economy.
“And I am here as Minister of Culture … to assure you that our government is here to support you, not just financially, but we are going to create opportunities for our artistes to grow and develop their special talents,” Cupid said.
He said he had recently discussed with Prime Minister Godwin Friday and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble the use of cultural ambassadors to promote the country.
Cupid said that he had not attended carnival “in about two decades”.
“However, I can assure you, this year, not just as a minister, but a lover of culture, because during my time, thus far as Minister, I have had a significant experience and a breakthrough and an appreciation for our Vincentian culture and our Vincentian heritage…” he said.
