Minister of Culture and the Creative Industries, Kaschaka Cupid, has called on Vincentians to use Vincymas 2026 as a moment of national unity and economic opportunity, pledging to back the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) with “hands-on” support.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is in final preparation for the culmination of its first Vincymas since last November’s general elections, in which the New Democratic Party came to office, winning 14 of the 15 seats.
It is also the first CDC press conference with Cupid in attendance since he took over at the helm of the ministry responsible for organising the nation’s premier festival.
Speaking at his first carnival press conference as cultural minister on Wednesday, Cupid commended the CDC board, staff and police for their work in preparing the festival under tight fiscal constraints.
“The public may recognise the end product, but obviously there’s a way in which to get to… that product, and the hard work behind the scenes many of us may not see,” he said, noting that even on the morning of the press conference “the board was actually working overtime”.
Hands-on minister with a ‘practical’ approach
Cupid, who also holds the youth and sports portfolios, said his decision to be “integral” and “intimate” with the CDC’s work was shaped by his background in sports.
“As the Minister of Culture, it was important for me to first of all build a relationship with the board, because the board has to execute the mandate of the government,” he added.
He described Vincymas as “our most attractive festival” and insisted that the ministry would not simply view it as an annual showpiece but as part of a broader cultural and economic strategy.
Safety and police presence
Cupid endorsed earlier remarks by acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Trevor “Buju” Bailey and praised the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force for its performance during the rural carnival season.
“We heard earlier about the importance of safety, and I must commend the Deputy Commissioner and his team,” Cupid said.
Referring to the country’s Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair, under whose remit national security falls, Cupid said he “deserves a lot of commendations for the manner in which the police have maintained their presence thus far…
“The rural carnivals could be a little bit intense … and we have not heard any issues or any reports of any infractions, any acts of violence, and that is solely down to the presence of the police, and you must be commended for that,” he said.
He tied visitor and public confidence directly to the security arrangements, adding that it is important that the public, as well as visitors, feel safe at shows, and this could help ensure they return.
“This bodes well for our product, which is Vincymas,” Cupid said.
Vincymas as cultural identity and national bridge
Cupid portrayed Vincymas as a celebration of cultural identity and a chance to set aside political and other divisions, noting that 2026 is the 49th year of Vincymas as a post-Lenten festival.
Drawing on a cricket metaphor, he cautioned against looking too far ahead to next year’s 50th anniversary.
“Sometimes when you’re on 49 as a cricketer, you tend to think a little bit far ahead, or you just need another single to get to 50, but the current focus this year and the theme, The Great Escape, it’s basically to propose persons to relieve whatever stress that they may feel at the current time,” he said.
He said carnival provides space for collective self-expression, adding, “Our musicians have the opportunity to showcase their talent, the artisans, the cultural practitioners, the creatives — everybody has an opportunity to really showcase and express their talent on the local stage, and also… to the regional and even international stage,” Cupid said.
At the same time, he argued that the festival should bring a divided society together.
“We know the challenges and the divisions … which we have as a nation, and Vincymas gives us the opportunity to come together as one people, one nation, one culture, one identity,” he said.
“I am imploring, I am beseeching, basically, for us to come together. As our cultural ambassador … said in a song, ‘We are one Vincy’, and the Deputy Commissioner … also mentioned that too,” Cupid added.
Call for public support, not only ticket sales
Cupid appealed to Vincentians to actively support artists and cultural workers, not just by attending events but through everyday encouragement and respect.
“In order for us to have a successful carnival, … we need the support of everybody. We need the fulsome support of each and everyone,” he said.
He stressed that performers shoulder considerable pressure.
“The musicians, the artisans, the other cultural practitioners, they are there honing their craft, but as a public we need to ensure that we support them, not just by going to the shows but speaking kindly of the artist,” Cupid said.
“Just a slight bit of encouragement could create a significant difference and a significant impact on someone, and it’s important that we recognise and value our artists. Sometimes it’s not easy going on stage and performing to a high level,” he added.
He drew a parallel with public life, saying, “As a politician, I know the challenges that we face”.
Cupid said empathy and positive reinforcement can make “a significant impact” across sectors.