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St. Kitts and Nevis’ national carnival, Sugar Mas, has recorded its highest-ever economic impact, with the 2025–2026 season generating an estimated $29.5 million, according to figures released by Culture Minister Samal Duggins.
The announcement was made during a cocktail reception and prize-giving ceremony held over the weekend, where the Minister presented the latest economic impact assessment for Sugar Mas.
The report showed that the most recent season surpassed the $21.7 million recorded during Sugar Mas 53 in the 2024–2025 season, representing a 35.9 per cent increase year-on-year.
“As a result of increased participation, increased spending, and the hosting of more elaborate events, the economic impact of Sugar Mas 54 was $29.5 million,” Duggins said. “This, for me, deserves a wow. These figures demonstrate not only the financial benefit that Sugar Mas brings, but also the immeasurable joy and unity that it fosters, bringing our people together as a country.”
The Minister noted that beyond its financial contribution, Sugar Mas continues to play a critical role in celebrating national heritage, showcasing local talent, creating employment opportunities and stimulating the tourism sector.
Duggins emphasised that the success of Sugar Mas 54 was the result of collective effort across multiple sectors. He revealed that awardees at the ceremony received more than $700,000 in cash and prizes, while the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis injected over $500,000 in direct cash investment into promoters, J’ouvert and parade troops, and bands.
“This level of support is both unprecedented and historic,” he said. “Tonight, we are here to distribute over $700,000 directly to the winners and participants of Sugar Mas national events.”
Highlighting participation figures, the Minister said the carnival also recorded significant growth in attendance and engagement. More than 10,000 revellers took to the streets for J’ouvert morning, with some individual bands attracting over 2,500 participants. The Grand Parade saw in excess of 5,000 participants, including revellers travelling from across the globe.
Duggins also pointed to increased viewership, higher physical attendance at national carnival events, and the inclusion of more than 35 private events in the Sugar Mas 2025–2026 calendar, some of which attracted crowds of over 4,000 patrons.
Additional gains were noted in folklore participation and youth involvement, trends the Minister described as especially encouraging.
“This progress is not by chance,” Duggins said. “It is well thought out. It is strategic.”
The Culture Minister concluded that the continued growth of Sugar Mas confirms its status as a leading cultural product and a major driver of economic and social development in St. Kitts and Nevis.
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