Tourism Minister Ernest Hilaire has made a bold promise that this year's Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival will exceed all previous expectations, setting a new benchmark in the island's cultural celebrations.

Minister Hilaire has committed to attending all festival events personally, underscoring the exceptional importance of this year's edition. He invites residents to participate in the festivities while adhering to safety protocols and traffic directions to ensure everyone enjoys a seamless and pleasant festival experience.

"This year’s jazz festival will be particularly special," Minister Hilaire said with evident excitement about the upcoming celebrations.

He reflected on the success of last year's events and shared his plans to take a vacation during the festival to fully engage with the jazz performances. With tickets nearly sold out and complimentary passes at a minimum, demand for this year's festival is exceptionally high.

Reflecting on the impressive attendance last year, Minister Hilaire is optimistic about setting new attendance records. "Last year was phenomenal for jazz; we never sold as many tickets as we did last year, and I think we are going to break that record again this year," he told reporters.

The festival is set to begin with a vibrant opening night on April 30 at Mindoo Philip Park, featuring performances by Jamaican artist Teejay, celebrated vocalist Romain Virgo, and Soca star Voice. This lineup promises a memorable kickoff to a festival that celebrates music and culture in grand style.