PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) met with Minister of Tourism Franklin Meyers on Tuesday to discuss a number of issues specifically focused on a new structure of subsidy allotment for SCDF.
The foundation was represented by its president Stuart Johnson and secretary Michael Granger. These discussions on a new structure, which will include Culture Minister Rhoda Arrindell, are in the early stages, so details cannot be divulged yet. However, Johnson stressed it was in the best interest of the further development of Carnival.
The foundation also apprised Minister Meyers on the progress thus far in preparing for Carnival 2011. It was explained to the minister that regulating SCDF's finances was of utmost priority for the foundation, in particular with paying prizes to stakeholders.
"The minister [Meyers] instructed us to continue working on getting the financial report completed [and] submit that to the government in order to have the outstanding subsidy released," Johnson said. "We will continue the discussions about a new structure in the weeks ahead. The minister was very open and to the point with us and we appreciated the time he dedicated to informing us on his plan forward with regard to Carnival."
Johnson said Meyers had said government's position was that SCDF is the recognised organising body of Carnival and government would do its part to support the foundation and Carnival, which can be utilised as a marketing tool that benefits the island across the board.
"We are pleased to know that we have his support and the support of Minister Arrindell, who is keen on enhancing our culture in Carnival. We will also be meeting with Minister Arrindell in the near future," Johnson concluded.
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