Public Relations Manager at the Saint Lucia Tourist Board (SLTB) John Emmanuel, said the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival has provided an avenue that helped elevate the local service standard.

"I think the festival has led to the development of skills, talents, and abilities. It is said that an opportunity must exist, then if the opportunity exists others step up to the plate. The Saint Lucia Tourist Board and the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival has certainly provided that opportunity, and because there is a demand for all of those services and for the delivery of those services at the highest standards–internationally recognised standards–we now have persons in Saint Lucia who are trained in those areas."

Over the years the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival has injected critical capital in the local economy.  This year, the SLTB is once again pleased with its ability to turn the economic wheel.

"From the lighting and sound technicians to the stage managers; from the graphic artists and animators to those involved in managing corporate and public relations for such an event; all of these things have allowed average and ordinary Saint Lucians to go into businesses for themselves. Others have been able to form collaborations and put out new companies where they have been able to bid for the services."   

The silver anniversary of the Saint Jazz and Arts Festival runs from April 29 to May 8 and features a stellar line-up of performers who blend island culture, musical talent and diverse musical genres.