Cultural Development Foundation

THE HANDS BEHIND THE MAS
Remembering Michael “Mikey” Gustave

Today, we say farewell to Michael “Mikey” Gustave — a craftsman, artist, mas man and cultural contributor whose hands helped shape Saint Lucian Carnival.

For more than two decades, Mikey worked behind the scenes as a costume builder, wire-bender and decorator, bringing countless Carnival visions to life. His craftsmanship touched national and community Carnival, Queen Pageants and celebrations across Saint Lucia and beyond.

His name may not have always appeared on the costume.
His face may not have always appeared in the photograph.
But his work did.

As Mikey is laid to rest today, we honour the creativity, craftsmanship and legacy he leaves behind.

In Loving Memory of Michael A. Gustave - The Minor Basilica - September 18, 2026 - 2:30pm In Loving Memory of Michael Andrew Gustave - The Minor Basilica of ...

Reflecting, Reviewing and Planning Ahead | YSAP

As we continue to build on the Youth Summer Arts Platform (YSAP), facilitators and apprentices came together on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, for a reflection and review of the 2026 programme cycle.

The discussion provided an opportunity to share experiences, identify lessons learned, highlight successes and examine areas where the programme can be further strengthened.

It was a rich and productive exchange, resulting in solid proposals and recommendations for YSAP 2027, as we continue working to create meaningful opportunities for young people to learn, explore and connect with Saint Lucia’s arts and cultural traditions.

Did You Know?

The colours of La Magéwit are blue, purple and white, while its emblem is the beautiful Bachelor’s Button, a proud member of the daisy family.

La Magéwit is also known by the intriguing names “Roi de l’eau,” Neptune, or King of the Waters - adding to the regal and mysterious identity of this treasured Saint Lucian flower tradition.

As we celebrate La Magéwit, we continue to learn the symbols, stories and traditions that keep our cultural heritage alive.

how much do you know? Follow along and test your Magéwit knowledge!

://youtu.be/jWP7bpO1pMs?si=PyO0lcmNjG2Nl5i0

𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄? | 𝗟𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗴𝘂𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 2 The Marguerite colours are blue, purple and white, and their emblem...

THROWBACK THURSDAY | THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING YSAP 2026!

This , we look back on an incredible Youth Summer Arts Platform (YSAP) 2026 and recognise the sponsors, partners and media houses who helped make it all possible.

Under the theme “Our 758, Our Traditions: Folk and Word,” our young participants spent their summer learning, creating, exploring and connecting with Saint Lucia’s rich cultural traditions.

From activities and field trips to resources, services and media coverage, your support helped create meaningful experiences and lasting memories for our young creatives.

To everyone who invested in YSAP 2026 and our youth — THANK YOU!

We couldn’t have done it without you.



Piton Malta
St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited
Tropical Shipping
Massy Stores SLU
1st National Bank St Lucia Limited\
Digicel
Guardsman St. Lucia Limited
Forest Springs
KFC
ED-Essentials Inc
Balembouche Estate
SAINT LUCIA 360 Virtual Tour
Liberty Media SLU
The Wave
Choice TV SLU
Dbstvstlucia
The Official Page Of Radio Caribbean International 101.1, 99.1
MBC Television
RealFM 91.3
4 Circles Inc.
Shane Charlery

From Workshops to World Shops Progresses

The Advanced Wood Sculpting Workshop continues to provide participants with knowledge that extends beyond the craft itself, connecting their creative practice with sustainability, entrepreneurship and business development.

Last week, participants were joined by Mr. Marvin Edwards of the Department of Forestry, who delivered a presentation on sustainable wood practices. The session explored sustainable wood cultivation and harvesting methods, wood species available locally, and the important role sculptors can play in helping to ensure Saint Lucia’s forests and natural resources remain available for generations to come.

Today, the focus shifted from sustainability to business development, with Mr. Lloyd Eugene of the Department of Commerce joining participants both virtually and in person. He shared information on the support available to sculptors and other creatives seeking to develop viable businesses.

The interactive session touched on business start-up essentials, technical support for business plan development, business registration and duty-free concessions.

Participants expressed appreciation for the practical information shared, with several leaving the session inspired to explore registering and formalising their businesses right away.

Mr. Eugene was also among the stakeholders who attended CDF’s recent Cultural Outreach Stakeholder Consultation, which brought sister agencies and linkage organisations together to explore stronger collaboration and support for Saint Lucia’s creative and cultural sector. His participation in the workshop is one example of those linkages being translated into practical support for creatives.

The Advanced Wood Sculpting Workshop continues to develop not only the technical skills of participating sculptors, but also their understanding of sustainable practice, entrepreneurship and opportunities to turn their craft into viable creative enterprises.




Ernest Hilaire
Ministry of Tourism Saint Lucia
Government of Saint Lucia
Embassy of Saint Lucia, ROC,Taiwan