As a self-proclaimed devout cultural enthusiast who has faced criticism from church peers who label me a hypocrite for my devotion, I make no apologies for my passion. My love runs deep for every core element of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Vincy Mas: the vibrant steelpan rhythms, the elaborate mas costumes, the boundless creative energy, and the infectious music. While I draw the line at explicit content, the raw, unmatched creativity of this festival cannot be denied.
Looking back, when former Carnival Development Committee (CDC) leader Rodney took the helm of the organization, he brought a level of energy and purpose that had been missing for years. He leveraged modern technology to streamline operations, but his greatest achievement was something none of his predecessors managed to pull off: he built a clear strategic plan, put in consistent on-the-ground work, maintained open lines of communication, and kept the general public updated on every major development. Even for those who did not agree with every decision he made, one thing was clear: progress was being made.
Now, as the nation prepares to mark the 50th anniversary of Vincy Mas, I am watching closely with a mixture of anxiety and hope to see what the new leadership at the CDC and its governing boards will deliver. I have never hidden my skepticism about Ricky’s ability to lead the festival effectively. Simply being a participating member of the carnival community does not automatically equip someone with the skills to run an entire major festival, much less grow it.
I have also seen Colin Graham positioning himself as a leading expert on mas and local culture. While his years of participation have earned him respect and veteran status in the community, that experience does not inherently translate to the strategic vision, industry know-how, or leadership capacity needed to transform the carnival sector for the future. To be clear, I am not saying these leaders are incapable of succeeding. I am simply saying that the public is watching their every move, and we will hold them accountable for the decisions they make.
What stands out most to me is how disconnected current Culture Minister Mr. Cupid appears to be from the deep history and core identity of local carnival culture. He comes across as a relative newcomer to the space, and to date, I have not seen him effectively champion or sell the unique cultural product that is authentic Vincy Mas. In my view, he needs to first invest time in learning the nuances of this culture, building his own knowledge and connection, before he can expect the public to buy into his vision for it. That said, I would be delighted to be proven wrong, and I invite him to show the public that my concerns are unfounded.
I have also observed that Rodney no longer has the same freedom to pursue the bold, ambitious ideas he once brought to the table, and this lack of flexibility may be a key part of the current stagnation. A dear friend of mine, who loved carnival more than almost anyone I knew, passed away in recent years, and he left behind a simple mantra that has stayed with me: “If we’re doing it, do it BIG.” That is the energy and ambition we need as we approach this milestone anniversary.
This brings me to the most critical issue facing Vincy Mas today: the need for urgent, systemic reform of the mas industry. Right now, the sector operates with what can only be described as small, entrenched interest groups that hold unaccountable power. Too many people hold influential leadership positions on industry committees while also serving on carnival judging panels, creating clear and unavoidable conflicts of interest. This cannot be allowed to continue if we want to grow the festival.
Conflicts of interest must be addressed directly, not with vague, toothless policy language. We need clear, explicit rules that answer critical questions: Who is eligible to serve as a judge? Who is barred from judging due to existing conflicts? Who can serve on industry governing committees? When are leaders required to recuse themselves from specific decisions? What relationships between decision-makers and mas bands, costume section designers, or masqueraders create unacceptable conflicts, and when must leaders step back?
Enforceable, transparent rules are non-negotiable. If we are serious about elevating Vincy Mas to new heights, especially as we approach its 50th anniversary, we cannot cling to outdated practices just because “that’s how we’ve always done it.” This milestone demands better. We need bold vision, intentional strategic planning, radical transparency, and leaders who understand that participating in carnival is not the same as having the skills to develop and grow the entire industry.
Most importantly, we need leaders who recognize that Vincy Mas is far more than just an annual festival. It is the heart of our national culture, a keeper of our shared history, a core part of our national identity, a canvas for our creative community, and a vital economic industry for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. For those of us who love this culture deeply, watching from near and far, we will not look away. We will continue to hold leadership accountable, because when you love something this much, you do not just cheer it on — you demand it lives up to its full potential.
*Disclaimer: This is an opinion piece. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not represent the official editorial stance of iWitness News.*