Each year, as Saint Lucia commemorates St. Cecilia’s Day on November 22, the feast of musicians, there is a renewed outcry for increased support for local artists. This year’s celebrations, once a vibrant tradition on the island’s cultural calendar, were notably subdued, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the music sector. For decades, the industry has struggled with inconsistent national backing, despite the presence of organizations like the Carnival Music Management Committee (CMMC), the Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation (ECCO), and the largely inactive Association of Music Professionals (AMPP SLU). None of these entities has provided sustained advocacy or development for musicians. In recent years, however, Export Saint Lucia has stepped in to address this gap. As a statutory body tasked with promoting the island’s exports across goods and services, Export Saint Lucia has embraced music as part of its creative services mandate. Through its “Music Saint Lucia” platform, developed in partnership with the European Union and funded by the Caribbean Development Bank, the agency has fostered relationships with artists across genres, including Jazz, R&B, Gospel, Hip Hop, Reggae, Soca, and Dennery Segment. Glenfield Gilbert, Director of Client Management at Export Saint Lucia, emphasized the agency’s commitment to supporting artists through technical, developmental, promotional, and financial assistance. Export Saint Lucia has also collaborated with entities like the Ministry of Commerce, Events Company Saint Lucia, and the Carnival Planning and Management Committee (CPMC) to amplify its impact. Local musicians have performed at global showcases such as Expo Dubai and Expo Osaka, and the agency has facilitated their participation in international events like Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival (WCMF). In 2024, artists such as Umpa and Subance performed at WCMF, while Imran Nerdy, Ezra De Fun Machine, and Arthur Allain took the stage this year. Ezra expressed gratitude for the opportunity, praising Export Saint Lucia for creating avenues to showcase Saint Lucian music internationally. The agency has also hosted workshops on the business of music, covering topics like contracts, bookkeeping, and copyright. In 2024, Export Saint Lucia introduced the “Most Exportable Song” award during Lucian Carnival, with Imran Nerdy’s “Start di Party” winning the public and international DJs’ vote. Nerdy hailed the recognition as a testament to the global reach of Saint Lucian music. Looking ahead, Export Saint Lucia plans to expand its creative support through initiatives like a Music Video Development Forum, a copyright workshop, and participation in global expos in Serbia and Saudi Arabia. By investing in music as a viable export and positioning musicians as cultural ambassadors, Export Saint Lucia aims to elevate the island’s creative economy.