The Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival has extended its reach further inland by naming the east coast village of Micoud as a venue for one of its fringe events.
Pointe Vierge, in Micoud will be the site in which the event will be held, a point made when Thaddeus Antoine, Chairman of the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, along with Micoud North MP Jeremiah Norbert and other key stakeholders, conducted a tour of the proposed site last Saturday, and by so doing marked the beginning of a transformative chapter in the festival’s history.
This initiative is part of a strategic effort to decentralize the festival’s offerings and amplify its presence across the island. By incorporating Micoud into the list of host communities, the festival reinforces its commitment to embedding jazz into the cultural fabric of Saint Lucian life.
“We are committed to expanding our community-focused efforts, in alignment with our Community Tourism strategy, by bringing more jazz to the communities of Saint Lucia, reaching new audiences, and ensuring the festival remains deeply rooted in our local neighbourhoods,” stated Chairman Antoine during the festival’s official launch.
“Our goal is for every Saint Lucian to recognize that the festival is integral to our identity, a source of pride for our island, and a representation of our rich culture. We are determined to showcase to the world that we are a world-class destination,” he asserted.
Micoud Jazz will complement an already impressive lineup of community-based events, including Soufriere Jazz, Rainforest Jazz in Babonneau, Monchy Mizik en Kweyol, and Bexon Inspirational Jazz, with additional events set to be announced in the coming weeks.
Micoud North MP Jeremiah Norbert expressed immense pride in hosting the inaugural Micoud Jazz, underscoring the venue’s unique blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural richness.
“Micoud is our territory to honour and develop as part of these national activities,” said Norbert. “With its scenic coastal charm and vibrant local culture, Pointe Vierge is the ideal setting for a festival that will offer an unforgettable experience. This is a significant step forward, building on the success of hosting Jounen Kwéyòl.”
“Including Micoud in the festival is more than just a geographical expansion; it embodies a vision to ensure that every Saint Lucian feels connected to the festival, cultivating a deeper sense of ownership and pride in an event that has become synonymous with Saint Lucia’s global cultural identity,” Norbert said.