Hilaire responds to uproar over political song at Jazz opening

Tourism Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire has rejected criticism regarding the playing of a political song at the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival’s opening night, describing the backlash as “nonsensical” and indicative of the country’s celebratory mood.

The controversy began on April 30, when a DJ played a popular Saint Lucia Labour Party song during the festival’s opening event, prompting strong reactions from some attendees. A video of the incident circulated on social media, raising questions about the appropriateness of political content at a state-supported cultural event.

Some commentators went further, speculating that Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre may have requested the song. However, Hilaire firmly rejected that claim.

“I would not, despite what was posted, say that Philip J. Pierre asked to play that song. Philip J. Pierre will never do that,” Hilaire stated. “Anything you know about the Prime Minister will tell you that’s nonsense.”

Hilaire also dismissed suggestions to formally instruct DJs to avoid political content at national events, stating such restrictions would be impractical and overly broad.

“If you say do not play political songs, it means no calypsonian who sings a political song can perform it at any event,” he said, referencing a veteran calypsonian and his well-known track My Choice. “You just cannot police that in that way.”

According to the minister, the DJ’s selection reflected the atmosphere among patrons, not any directive from officials. “If people are calling for a song and a DJ drops a tune, that’s the mood we’re in,” he said. “You can’t stop people from celebrating.”

Hilaire said that the country remains politically charged, noting that visible expressions of party support, such as flags and public celebrations, are still common after recent political developments. However, he maintained that neither he nor any government member would request specific songs to advance partisan messaging.

“I will not ask anybody to play any set song… not because I don’t want the song to be played, but you just don’t do that,” he said. “The Prime Minister certainly will not endorse any special request for that song.”

Despite the minister’s defence, the incident has drawn criticism from civil society and the political opposition.

In a widely shared Facebook post, commentator Ajani LeBourne expressed concern that playing political campaign music at a taxpayer-funded event risks blurring the line between state and party. He clarified his comments were not directed at performers and urged organisers to maintain neutrality at national events.

“There’s a space for that kind of banter, just not at a state event that seeks to appeal to a broad local and international audience,” he wrote, warning against compromising the festival’s reputation.

Meanwhile, the opposition United Workers Party (UWP) issued a statement requesting clarity on the standards for performances at publicly funded events. The party noted that a similar incident reportedly occurred at a Jazz event in Anse La Raye, suggesting a possible pattern.

“National events… must remain spaces where all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, feel equally respected and included,” the UWP said. The party also questioned whether such incidents align with the Prime Minister’s recent calls for national unity.

While the debate continues, Hilaire said the issue may fade over time, describing the current political climate as temporary.

“In politics, it ebbs and flows. There are good times and bad times,” he said. “Those things will wear out after a few months… all the flags will disappear.”