BASSETERRE – Minister with responsibility for the creative economy, The Hon. Samal Duggins, expressed satisfaction with Sugar Mas 54 celebrations, describing the festival as a unifying force that continues to grow.
Speaking at the end of Parade Day, Minister Duggins reflected to ZIZ on the significance of the annual event for St. Kitts and Nevis.
“Sugar Mass is that time, right? It is that end of year celebration that brings everybody together,” Duggins said. “When I look at it, it shows that for me is fulfilling.”
Now in his fourth carnival as minister, Duggins noted that each year has seen increased participation and overall appeal. He credited a strategic formula developed by the carnival committee and ministry for the festival’s continued success.
“We’ve created a formula. If you notice, we’ve shifted a few things over the years and we’ve created that power week in the end,” the Minister explained.
One key adjustment involved moving pageants earlier in the season to accommodate different audience preferences. Locals could enjoy pageants before J’Ouvert, while visitors arriving later could experience the high-energy celebrations they sought.
“When our visitors came in, they wanted that excitement. They wanted to jump and party most of the times and the pageants weren’t really their cup of tea,” Duggins noted.
The Minister praised the collaborative effort behind Sugar Mas, thanking chairperson Shannon Harwey, volunteers, media, and the entire team who worked tirelessly for seven to eight weeks to ensure the festival’s success.
Plans for Sugar Mas 55 are already underway.