Prime Minister Harris Highlights Economic Benefits of Record Setting 2019 St. Kitts Music Festival

Basseterre, St. Kitts, July 02, 2019 (SKNIS): The 23rd edition of the St. Kitts Music Festival has been acclaimed by organizers, officials and many fans as the best ever with world-class performances from local, regional and international artists thrilling an estimated record 25,000 patrons attending the June 27–29 nightly concerts.

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, said that the festival continues to have an enormous positive impact on the local economy.

“I am advised that over 50 local businesses employing 300 persons have benefited directly from this year’s music festival,” Dr. Harris stated.

The range of businesses includes many vendors and small business owners involved with food, transportation, entertainment, merchandise and more.

“The hotels had a big boost in stay-over arrivals. You couldn’t get in no matter how hard you tried,” Prime Minister Harris continued. “Car rental agencies were overbooked, the water taxi operators made good money and every event I am told returned good rewards.”

The economic benefits will continue to reverberate in the coming weeks as companies and individuals are encouraged to submit all outstanding invoices for goods or services in connection to the 2019 festival.

“I have been asked by the Chairman [of the St. Kitts Music Festival Committee] to indicate that they would wish to receive all bills by the 5th of July to facilitate full settlement soonest thereafter,” the prime minister added.

The 23rd St. Kitts Music Festival was held at the Kim Collins Stadium. Headline acts included Buju Banton, Ella Mai, Smokey Robinson, Nadia Batson, Popcaan, Infamus, Skinny Fabulous, Cocoa Tea, French Montana, Davido and Mapy.