BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — THE Federation saw a major economic boost from the staging of Sugarmas 53 (2024/2025), with more than $20 million injected into the economy over the six-week carnival period.
Confirmation came from Chair of the National Carnival Committee (NCC), Shannon Hawley, who shared the figures during a press conference on Wednesday (Dec.3). She also revealed that the Federation recorded an increase in visitor arrivals during the peak of the festivities.
“Last year...Sugarmas 53 generated over $21 million into the local economy, and for that we are so grateful,” Hawley said. “We have really seen the difference in terms of the number of individuals who have flown in, particularly over the Sugarmas period.”
According to Hawley, the two-week peak of the season saw more than 16,000 arrivals at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport. Organizers are aiming to surpass those numbers for the upcoming 2025/2026 celebrations.
With official activities for the new season soon to get underway, optimism is high as the calendar sees a notable increase in private fringe events. Hawley disclosed that this year’s schedule is already “exceeding expectations,” with more than 35 private parties and fetes planned — a record number for the Carnival.
“We have our usual events which have already started in terms of the pre-activities, but we have our usual events and our upcoming events which all start officially next Friday with the midnight escape and then it goes into the Republic Bank teen competition," she explained.
The NCC emphasized that the Carnival is designed to cater to everyone, with a diverse lineup of events throughout the season. This year, the government will invest more than $1.2 million in preparation funds, participation support, and prize winnings for stakeholders.
“A record amount that we are pumping into our national carnival stakeholders this year. And this was a direct result of basically the intervention by our Minister, Honourable Samuel Duggins, as well as the Federal Cabinet to ensure that our stakeholders are satisfied,” the chair added.
She added that whether it involves private events, parade troupes, J’ouvert groups, or participants in national competitions, all will benefit from financial support from the NCC.
Hawley stressed that the Committee’s role is not to compete with stakeholders but to support and uplift all contributors to the Carnival.
