Dennery segment historian Sant Justin has cautioned that the genre must not slow its momentum or rely too heavily on political direction, even as the United Workers Party (UWP) promises a dedicated segment event if elected to office.
Their remarks come amid heightened political attention on the creative industry ahead of the December 1 General Election as the UWP outlined a series of cultural proposals, including a dedicated Dennery segment event produced to international standards, and expanded Carnival celebrations set to run for the entire month of July.
The party also says it will support the placement of Dennery segment artists on major stages, similar to the featuring of international performers during Saint Lucia Jazz.
In a detailed reflection on the genre’s origins and evolution, Justin said an independent spirit has long defined Dennery segment, a 21st-century blend of soca, dancehall, and zouk.
“The Dennery segment was born from rebellion, an audacious self-awareness and confidence,” Justin told St. Lucia Times. “It didn’t wait on permission and opportunities but created its own with timely, regular releases that became earworms to the listeners.”
He added that the genre’s weekly output on topical issues embedded it firmly in Saint Lucia’s cultural and entertainment landscape.
He stressed that while support and opportunities are welcomed, the segment should not become dependent on structured programmes or external guidance.
“This art form owes nothing to anyone and should not allow itself to slow down and wait for guidance when it holds the engine, driving the recent surge in our entertainer scene,” he said.
Justin further noted that the community was energised by the announcement of a dedicated festival (D’Vibez), describing the reaction as overwhelmingly positive. According to him, the staging of the event in 2025 brought immense satisfaction to both artists and long-time fans.
“Its execution in 2025 brought great pleasure to not only the artists, who’ve been longing for something to call theirs, but also the longtime fans who have been instrumental in its survival,” he said.
Highlighting the genre’s growing international visibility, Justin cited the range of high-profile stages where Dennery segment performers have made appearances.
“Apart from D’Vibez, we saw artistes from the genre participate in major Jazz events, Expo Dubai, Expo Japan, Miami Carnival, and even move on to win Soca Monarch,” Justin added.
He hopes to see unity among artists and continued artistic output.
“What I would wish to see is a unified front from the D’segment artists in participating in ongoing workshops, organisational meetings and any other opportunities made available for self-development,” he said.
While these opportunities help foster growth, he insisted that the genre’s foundation remains its musical consistency.
“And though these opportunities have benefited the industry, I maintain that quality and frequent releases are the best way to continue to carve out a niche for the segment,” Justin said.
The UWP’s cultural agenda has received strong endorsement from Dennery segment performer Kurtly Pablo Estava, who used his appearance at a party rally on November 16 to criticise the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) for what he described as years of neglect of the creative sector.
Addressing supporters, Pablo argued that despite the global success of Saint Lucian music, the local industry lacked essential structure.
“For years now, we’ve been doing music in Saint Lucia, and we don’t have a proper industry,” he said. “Our music makes it on the international stage, but our artists cannot take full advantage of it and propel themselves to where they need to go.”
He added that artists needed support in areas such as work permits and distribution deals.
Pablo further criticised what he described as ineffective government support.
“We get no support and no help from the government, and they say they give you exposure. Well, exposure without a plan doesn’t really work. You just go out there, you perform, and you come back home… If there’s nothing planned out for the artist, they don’t achieve anything.”
He praised the UWP’s proposed cultural policies, describing the party as “the only political party that would give us a seat at the table.”
“The United Workers Party has proposed a plan for the Dennery segment and the creative industry,” he said. “The only party to ever put any resources behind the Dennery segment is the United Workers Party.”
He added that under Allen Chastanet’s leadership, a UWP government would provide the resources required to help artists grow, including through new connections with other Caribbean music markets.
The UWP expanded on its youth and culture proposals during “Clock It”, a youth engagement event held on November 2 in Ti Rocher, Micoud, where Chastanet reaffirmed the party’s intention to elevate the Dennery segment internationally.
“We want to make sure now that everybody in the world knows what Dennery segment is, and we will make that happen,” he said.
At the same time, the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) has outlined a roadmap for the growth and modernisation of the creative industries, unveiling a wide-ranging set of commitments in its 2025 manifesto.
The SLP pledges to expand financial access for creatives through low-interest loans for viable creative enterprises, along with tax concessions on musical instruments and other approved equipment for registered artists. In addition, the creative sector would gain greater national recognition through the introduction of National Music Awards to celebrate and promote local talent.
Another plan of the SLP is the transformation of the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) into a new body called the Development and Training Agency for the Arts (DATA). This restructured agency would focus heavily on training in areas such as sound engineering, digital marketing, and cultural entrepreneurship, while continuing to support traditional art forms.
According to the manifesto, this move is designed to ensure that Saint Lucian creatives can build “competitive, export-ready skills” across the cultural sector.
To support this new direction, the party proposes the establishment of an Orange Economy Unit, which would serve as a national coordinating body linking the Ministry of Culture, Export Saint Lucia, Invest Saint Lucia, and DATA. Its mandate would include marketing, product development, training, and the international promotion of Saint Lucian creativity.
Public art also features prominently in the manifesto, with the party promising to commission locally-produced installations and erect a national monument honouring cultural icons.
This would be complemented by the creation of a national museum, supported by private sector and international partners, to preserve and showcase Saint Lucia’s cultural heritage.
