Saint Lucia’s rising and popular talent came out in full force on Saturday 12th December for the premiere of the BAYFEST Street Festival series held in the heart of Rodney Bay right between Baywalk Mall and JQ Rodney Bay Mall. The highly anticipated event produced by media company Nexus Networks, Baywalk Mall and JQ Rodney Bay Mall showcased the annual Fashion Fusion extravaganza alongside exciting exhibits of dance, culinary, mixology and entrepreneurship. Thousands of Saint Lucians showed their support for this new community initiative with their presence at the event, and appreciation for the exhilarating display of undeniable talent that performed until the grand finale Fashion Fusion showcase. Vendors even travelled from Dominica and Trinidad to take part in this grassroots social networking opportunity to promote and sell their goods and services.
The philanthropic mission of BAYFEST was also solidified by the successful Youth Training programme that was executed during the weeks of preparations leading up to the first installment of this three part event series. With the hard work of Fashion Fusion’s Creative Director Richard Young and Motion Studios’ choreographer Tennail Thomas, the BAYFEST team was able to execute an intensive series of auditions, boot camp style training and rehearsals for up and coming models and dancers who wish to take their skills to the next level of development.
The programme came full circle as models, dancers and interns had the opportunity to be BAYFEST ambassadors and represent their work via various radio interviews, digital media and social media blogs promoting the event and sharing insight on their preparation process. The media coverage produced at BAYFEST will premiere soon in Saint Lucia as well as throughout the Caribbean and will be a testament to the value of supporting homegrown talent on the frontline of local culture and entertainment.
“We must first rely on our own Caribbean culture, content and human resources to teach our youth and promote local businesses before we look to international entities for their support; this is critical for our ownership and sustainable development of the region’s creative industries which is truly the region’s greatest export,” said Jeanille Bonterre, CEO of Nexus Networks.
As BAYFEST 1 wraps up its logistics and post-production, plans are already underway for BAYFEST 2 taking place on Saturday 23rd January, 2016. This second installment will showcase Saint Lucian culinary excellence featuring local top chefs such as Orlando Satchel and a few special guest chef surprises, which will be revealed in the weeks ahead. Sandals Resorts’ Regional Manager for Human Resource and Training in the Eastern Caribbean, Ryan Matthew, has also pledged his support to assist in the structuring and execution of the Culinary & Hospitality BAYFEST Youth Training programme where trainees will have the opportunity to learn core theory, best practices and attend workshops hosted by experienced chefs and hoteliers. For more information and to get involved as a partner, contributor or volunteer of BAYFEST, persons can get in touch with the team via the website at bayfestslu.com.
As always, ventures like these would not be possible without the support of valued sponsors and facilitators. The BAYFEST team would like to offer deep gratitude to Baywalk and JQ Malls, Digicel, The Wave, Lucozade-Ribena, Blazin FM, Choice TV, DBS, HTS, STAR Publishing, Merchandising Plus, Motion Studios, Access Clothing, Hang Ten Clothing, Sea Island Cotton, Diamond Girl Beauty Supply, Skin Science Boutique, Avis St Lucia, Du Boulay’s Bottling Co, CPJ, Orlando’s Restaurant, Rituals Diner, Pizza Napoli, Caribbean Rumz Lounge, CD’s Total Garden, Flow, Courts, Landmark Events, Azuk Events, Caribbean Blue Naturals by Nat-Med, National Skills Development Centre and the Ministry of Tourism, Heritage & Creative Industries.-more in 2Nite Magazine.
