By Val Matthias. Updated 8:28 a.m., Thursday, April 9, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Minister of Culture Kaschaka Cupid has called for cultural ambassadors to take on a stronger role in promoting Vincymas, stressing that their influence must extend beyond symbolic representation to active promotion of the nation’s premier festival.
Speaking at the Carnival Development Corporation’s media launch for Vincymas 2026, Cupid said discussions with the Honourable Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs revealed that cultural ambassadors are not being fully utilized.
“Now, I recently had a conversation with the Honourable Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. And what we realize is that our cultural ambassadors, they are not utilized in the way in which they should in terms of their promotion of our country,” Cupid said.
He pledged to personally address the issue, noting that while there is a specific criteria for selecting cultural ambassadors, their role must be expanded to actively champion Vincymas on regional and international stages.
“And this is something as Minister of Culture, I could assure you that I personally am going to address. Now, there’s a specific criteria in which persons become cultural ambassadors. However, as I said, the way in which our cultural ambassadors, because they are the ones who carry our flag flying high, not just regionally, but also internationally,” he added.
Minister Cupid emphasized that cultural ambassadors are uniquely positioned to showcase the creativity, artistry, and spirit of Vincentians, and should be empowered to promote Vincymas as a cultural export. He urged stakeholders to recognize their value not only as representatives of national pride but as active promoters of the festival.
Kaschaka Cupid’s remarks highlight that cultural ambassadors are underutilized in promoting Vincymas. While they already serve as symbols of Vincentian identity, Cupid wants them to play a more active role in marketing the festival internationally ensuring that Vincymas is not just a local celebration but a global cultural brand.
There are over 35 cultural ambassadors.
Cultural ambassadors are typically selected based on clear criteria such as their achievements in the arts, culture, or creative industries, their ability to represent national identity abroad, and their proven track record of promoting heritage. Their role is to act as official representatives of a country’s culture, carrying the national flag internationally, fostering respect and understanding, and promoting events like Vincymas.
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About the Author: This story was written and submitted by freelance journalist Mr. Val Matthias, a trained communicator with more than two decades in the media sector. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mr Matthias can be reached at [email protected]
