The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) met with Minister of Tourism Franklin Meyers on Tuesday to discuss a number of issues but specifically focused on a new structure of subsidy allotment for the SCDF. The foundation was represented by 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 at this point in time. Johnson stressed however, it is in the best interest for the further development of Carnival.
The foundation also apprised the Minister on the progress thus far in preparing for Carnival 2011. It was explained to the Minister that regulating SCDF’s finances is something that is of utmost priority for the foundation, in particular with paying prizes to stakeholders.
"The Minister instructed us to continue working on getting the financial report completed, submit that to 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 added.
Johnson said Minister Meyers said the position of government is that SCDF is the recognized organizing body of Carnival and as such government will do its part to support the foundation and Carnival which can be utilized 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.