The wait is almost over and excitement is building as organisers of the Saint Kitts Music Festival have announced plans to reveal the first wave of artistes for the 2024 staging of the event, on Friday.

While the news was met with euphoria by many, former government minister, Jonel Powell has expressed concern over the delayed launch.

In a statement posted on Social Media, he noted that last year the festival was launched three months late and it’s even later this year.

“Has the Minister of Tourism forgotten that this is a tourism product and that at its height it was proven that we achieve best results when giving non-resident patrons 6 months lead time?” Powell asked in his statement.

“At the rate that the organizing committee is going we can only expect another Jamaican St. Kitts Music Festival for 2024. The lack of that true international appeal to put heads in beds and boost our overall tourism product in the summer months threatens the sustainability of our Music Festival. This puts more pressure on an already stagnant economy relying on locals who are already cash-strapped to pick up the slack.”

Chronixx, Anthony B, Gramps Morgan, Teejay, Skillibeng, Koffee, Govana and Romain Virgo were among the Jamaican acts who performed at the 25th staging of the Saint Kitts Music Festival last year.

Powell went on to say that the issue is not a political one and offered his assistance to ensure that the festival succeeds.

“I have supported the Festival before, during and after my tenure in Government. I want to see our Music Festival succeed. I know the potential of the festival having served as its Chairman of Artiste Selection and Production for 6 years at its pinnacle to date. I once again offer myself in service to the St. Kitts Music Festival for nothing in return because this just is not good enough,” he posted.

The 26th staging of the Saint Kitts Music Festival is set to take place from June 22 to 30, this includes several fringe events.

Stay tuned to Your Caribbean Guide. In the coming weeks, we’ll be taking a look back at the 2023 Festival as we countdown to the magic we know is guaranteed this year.