THE largest and most recognized musical, cultural and historical showpiece on Saint Lucia – the rebranded Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, is again set to provide employment opportunities for thousands on the island.
Notwithstanding the scores of local artistes and artisans that will grace jazz performance venues across the country over the eleven days of the Festival, thousands of other Saint Lucians will derive economic activity through the provision of vital festival ancillary services, the St Lucia tourist Board says.
It added: “Already dozens of individuals, as well as privately owned small, medium and large sized enterprises have responded to calls for Request for Proposals to provide technical and logistical support towards staging the iconic festival”.
According to Director of Tourism Louis Lewis, the annual outsourcing of these services spurs direct economic activity amounting to millions of dollars and provides vital employment opportunities for thousands of Saint Lucians.
The participation of local service providers, estimated at 40% percent of the overall Jazz & Arts budget, “also allows for capacity building through the development of a cadre of highly skilled and competent individuals, who over the two decade history of the festival, have honed their respective talents and skills,” noted Lewis.