Responding to regional comparisons following St. Vincent’s announcement of a midnight end to its Carnival Monday parade, Chairperson of the Carnival Planning and Management Committee (CPMC), Tamara Gibson, emphasized that Saint Lucia’s parade route is longer and more expansive than those of other Caribbean islands.
Saint Lucia’s Carnival parade has been touted as one of the most scenic in the region. Beginning at the Choc Roundabout, the parade proceeds along the John Compton Highway, offering picturesque coastline views, including the iconic Castries Harbour, and winds through the heart of the city—passing landmarks like the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Derek Walcott Square, and the Castries Market—before returning to its starting point. This spacious route enables band displays, audience engagement, and a rich street-theatre experience that defines Lucian Carnival.
“Our bands start jumping at 10 a.m. and cover a route from Mega J to Mega J. It’s a full day of activity. Midnight may be excessive for our context, but our main goal is for all bands to complete the route,” Gibson explained in an interview on Vaval Central on Thursday.
That same day, the CPMC, along with key carnival stakeholders, hosted a multi-agency consultation involving the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, NEMO, the fire service, band leaders, and event promoters. Discussions focused on recurring concerns ahead of the upcoming season, particularly around security, the Carnival route, and end times for Monday and Tuesday’s Last Lap events.
“The discussions were productive and informative. We hope that these conversations will lead the relevant authorities to consider necessary changes to improve the safety and quality of the events,” stated Minister for Culture and Creative Industries, Dr. Ernest Hilaire, in a Facebook post.
