Prime Minister Allen Chastanet has expressed satisfaction with the execution of the recently concluded Food and Rum Festival, saying that he is already looking forward to next year’s event.

Saint Lucia first held a Food and Rum Festival in 2006. Twelve years later, the event has returned, and organizers are promising that it is here to stay.

The 2018 Saint Lucia Food and Rum Festival featured a number of components, including an appearance by one of the world’s top chefs, Marcus Samuelsson.

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet has commended the agencies, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority and the Events Company of Saint Lucia for the overall production.

“I think they exceeded expectations, and the support that the festival has received locally and also the accolades that it has been receiving from the international press, I think that we are off to a great start and I am already looking forward to next year.”

The prime minister also gave his impressions of the activities held at various locations.

“The elements that I love was about having the music and the food in the villages, so we were in Rodney Bay and also in Anse La Raye and I am hoping that we can also include more villages next time,” he said.

“Imagine going down to Gros Islet and having food as early as midday, and then ending with a concert as they did in Anse La Raye. Also the Castries market will be redone by next year, so you’ll also be able to use that as a venue. So I’m very excited about how the festival has gone and I think the footprint also becomes a footprint for the Creole and Heritage festival as well.”

The Prime Minister added that the idea behind the festival is to tap into another niche market beyond the weddings, honeymoon and romance that Saint Lucia is now famous for.

The Pigeon Island National Landmark saw the Food and Rum Festival climax with an offering of fine rums and a gastronomic experience as well as a concert featuring American R&B singer Freddy Jackson and Saint Lucia’s Teddyson John.

The Saint Lucia Food and Rum Festival was held from Friday, Jan. 12 to Sunday, Jan. 14.