The union of New Orleans Jazz with the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival emerged as a focal point during a recent tour to the USA by a distinguished Saint Lucian delegation.
Currently, the group is in New Orleans to tap into a new market characterized by cultural similarities and shared French heritage.
Leading the delegation is Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire, joined by H.E. Darrel Montrope, Consul General of Saint Lucia to Miami; Thaddeus M. Antoine, Chairman of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA); and Dexter Percil, SLTA’s Head of Marketing.
During their visit, they engaged in productive discussions with influential figures, including Kevin Furgeson, Vice President of External Affairs for New Orleans & Company, which oversees tourism marketing in the city, and Marilyn LaForce, President and Founder of Friends of Culture/Bayou Bacchanal.
The dynamic interplay between New Orleans Jazz and the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival was central to these discussions, emphasizing the potential for Saint Lucia to showcase its jazz artists at the New Orleans event while also inviting New Orleans musicians to perform in Saint Lucia.
Moreover, the delegation explored collaboration opportunities between New Orleans’ vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations and the famed Lucian Carnival.
Both events are rich in cultural traditions and artistic expression, making them ideal platforms for merging audiences and enhancing the appeal of the Lucian Carnival. Through this partnership, both destinations will create a more enriching and diverse festival experience that celebrates their shared heritage and attracts international visitors.
Additionally, the delegation met with Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans to discuss strategic collaborations and cultural exchanges between the two regions.
An SLTA official confirmed that the meeting aimed to solidify ties and explore joint initiatives designed to enhance tourism and celebrate their common heritage.