Government saves Mas on the Square
Government is assuring the public that the traditional Pre-Carnival event at the Derek Walcott Square will take place this year, albeit under a new management team.
Last week it was announced that the event would be scrapped this year due to poor response from private sector sponsors, but Press Secretary Darnley Lebourne says government has come to the rescue.
The event will now incorporate Homecoming 2010 activities.
“Government has been approached by private parties who were concerned of the impact that the non staging of the Pre-Carnival event would have on the Carnival atmosphere and product. In order to safeguard the quality and image of the Carnival product, the Government of Saint Lucia through the Cultural Development Foundation and the Saint Lucian Home Coming 2010 Secretariat has decided to collaborate with Lucian Mas Events in staging the popular Pre-Carnival entertainment event at Dereck Walcott Square.”
Hundreds of Saint Lucians are expected to converge on the island to participate both in Carnival and Home Coming 2010 activities.
The activities for the event will include performances by major entertainers like: Ricky T, Alpha, Q-Pid, Ila Man, Superman HD, DJ HP and many others.
According to Lebourne, it promises to be a major cultural and entertainment spectacle which will help to add flavour to “Lucian Carnival 2010”.
“.Prime Minister Stephenson King who returned to the island over the weekend has committed his personal support to ensure the success of what has become a tradition for Carnival lovers – Saint Lucians and visitors alike.
The detailed schedule is as follows: Tuesday, July 13th, 2010 - 6:00 to 11:00 pm; Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 - 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm and 6:30 to 11:00 pm; Thursday, July 15th, 2010 - 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm and 6:30 to 11:00 pm; and Saturday, July 17th, 2010 - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
A special meeting involving representatives of the Cultural Development Foundation, the Home Coming Secretariat, Lucian Mas Events and the Office of the Prime Minister, has been scheduled for Monday, July 12th, 2010 to finalise arrangements for this event.