The Office of the Premier held a productive meeting with key stakeholders involved in the planning and execution of Montserrat’s premier cultural event—the St. Patrick’s Festival.
The meeting was convened by Parliamentary Secretary Honourable Crenston C. Buffonge, who has responsibility for Culture and Tourism.
It brought together several local event promoters, alongside senior representatives including Chairman of the Montserrat Arts Council (MAC), Austin Howe, and Press Secretary Jenzil Skerritt.
Discussions centered on reviewing the 2026 St. Patrick’s Festival, highlighting both successes and opportunities for growth.
Stakeholders commended the level of collaboration between promoters, government agencies, and community partners, which contributed to a vibrant and engaging festival calendar that attracted both residents and visitors.
Key points emerging from the meeting included enhanced Collaboration between promoters and government officials to ensure seamless event delivery, and cultural preservation, the festival continues to play a critical role in preserving Montserrat’s rich heritage while expanding its appeal as a unique cultural tourism product.
Stakeholders acknowledged the positive economic contributions generated through increased visitor arrivals, local business engagement, and entertainment activities, and identified areas for improvement include marketing reach, logistics coordination, and infrastructure support to further elevate the festival experience.
Parliamentary Secretary Buffonge emphasized the Government’s continued support for the festival, noting that “the St. Patrick’s Festival remains a cornerstone of Montserrat’s cultural identity and tourism strategy.”
The Office of the Premier says it recognizes the dedication and creativity of all event promoters and partners who contributed to the success of the 2026 festival and looks forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.