THE Saint Lucia Tourist Board in its 24th year of the annual Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, is pleased to welcome on board and award contracts to a greater number of local contractors than ever before.
In years gone by, some of the technical services and equipment had to be sourced from foreign markets because of the limited availability on island. Over the years however, many residents have invested in equipment and sharpened their skills, thus providing the Saint Lucia Tourist Board with a cadre of local, qualified bidders, to respond to the various Request for Proposals.
As a result, dozens of individuals, as well as privately owned small, medium and large sized enterprises will provide technical and logistical support towards staging the iconic festival this year.
Amongst those awarded contracts are MCE Sounds, owned by Arthur Tisson, who has several years of experience in production and is equipped and highly capable of handling Main Stage at Pigeon Island.
Also on board for 2015, are two young entrepreneurs, James Adjodha and Jesse Evans of WaveMakers Photography. These two photographers have been awarded the contract for Photography. The company has been in existence for the last three years and boasts a wide range of professional equipment. The duo enter the domain with many new initiatives and ideas to capture The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival at its best.
Jackie Cherebin-Weekes of Jackie O., a public relations establishment known for its versatility and professionalism, has been with the company from inception eleven years ago. . Jackie O. has won the bid for Public Relations & Marketing support for the 2015 festival. She comes with a wealth of experience and energy to enhance the promotion of this prestigious event.
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.
Notwithstanding the scores of local artistes and artisans who 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 participation of local service providers, estimated at over 40% percent of the overall Jazz & Arts budget, also allows for capacity building through the development of a pool of highly skilled and competent individuals, who over the two decade history of the festival, have honed their respective talents and skills.
The Saint Lucia Tourist Board said it is satisfied with the progress being made towards the goals set from the inception, of having the Festival being handled and operated by a contingent of entirely local producers and service providers. This year is the closest that the Board has come to recognizing this goal.