The Carnival route from Massy Mega to Castries Town once more became alive with the familiar swirl of music, movement and masquerade from July 21 to 22. Yet for one band, this year’s revelry carried significance beyond the spectacle. Just 4 Fun marked its 25th anniversary — a milestone that not only celebrated longevity but also affirmed its role in reshaping the contours of Saint Lucian Carnival.
Emerging in 2000 as the island’s first super all‑inclusive band, Just 4 Fun was conceived as more than a troupe of costumed revellers. It was a cultural experiment that soon became a benchmark for Carnival innovation. “We didn’t come to follow tradition. We came to transform it,” said director Lancelot Arnold. “And we’ve spent 25 years doing just that, creating a space where creativity, community, and Caribbean excellence collide.”
At the heart of that transformation was Roston Taylor, known widely as RT. Band leader Veil Tobiere paid tribute to Taylor’s vision and influence: “Without Roston Taylor ‘RT,’ there would be no Just 4 Fun.”
Over the past quarter century, Just 4 Fun has distinguished itself not only through its meticulous organization but also through its artistry. From signature events such as Remedy and Indulgence to elaborate costume collections designed under the creative direction of Claude Desir, the band has consistently elevated the standard of presentation. For Tobiere, the mission has always been deeply personal. Arnold echoed this sentiment, observing, “Carnival is more than an event, it’s an emotion. That’s why we invest in every detail. From registration to road, we make sure our revellers don’t just play mas — they live it.”
The silver jubilee offered ample testament to the ethos. A surprise appearance by soca powerhouse Skinny Fabulous set the road alight, while anniversary‑themed presentations paid homage to two and a half decades of creativity and commitment. The celebrations also carved out space to honour those who built the foundation, including Andy Delmar, Perry Mason, Aunty Pinky, Aunty Marie, and Paula James.
Behind the glamour lies a carefully constructed support system. A ten‑member executive team — among them Jenny, Carleen, Marcia, Kenwyn, Sylvester, Philbert, Jerome, Soup, and Cyril, one of the band’s longest-serving members — works alongside the Just 4 Fun Foundation, a network of writers, planners, and creatives whose behind‑the‑scenes contributions sustain the band’s polished execution.
Equally vital are the partnerships that have endured through the years. “We can’t thank every sponsor publicly,” Tobiere noted, “but special recognition must go to The Wave Radio Station, our broadcast partner and family member for all 25 years, as well as Piton and Blue Waters for their unwavering support. We’re also grateful to the many new sponsors who have joined the Just 4 Fun family.”
As Just 4 Fun celebrates a quarter century on the road, it remains not merely a Carnival band but a cultural institution — one that continues to shape Saint Lucia’s national story with every beat of the drum and every step on the road.