In an interview outlining the committee’s plans for this year’s festivities, Gibson emphasised that inclusivity is one of the CPMC’s four core pillars, and ensuring that young people are part of the celebration is central to that mission.

“We believe there is a piece of Lucian Carnival for everyone,” Gibson stated in an interview last week on the radio show last week, “Vaval Central”. “Focusing on the youth and the youth festival was really to ensure that we cover this pillar, to let the youth know this festival is theirs. They are the future of the festival.”

She noted that the National Schools Tour, launched immediately after the Jazz Festival in May, played a key role in building early momentum and Carnival spirit.

“The excitement from the students when the tour came to their schools really set a great tone for what’s to come. It shows that we are ready to take Lucian Carnival to an even higher stage.”

Gibson also celebrated the success of the youth-focused calypso and soca competitions, which this year were split into separate events for primary and secondary schools for the first time due to the growing number of entries.

“That is very promising,” she said. “Some of the performances from the secondary school soca competition have even gone viral. It shows that the future of the festival is in great hands.”

According to Gibson, the surge in youth participation has prompted internal discussions about introducing a semi-final round in future editions to accommodate the volume of young performers.

“We just want to keep them encouraged. We’re developing youth talent, which is very important to us, and every Saint Lucian should be proud.”

As preparations ramp up for Lucian Carnival 2025, she says the CPMC remains committed to ensuring that the festival continues to evolve and remains anchored in community and culture.