NDC Stages Mas' On The Pier

The island's premiere duty free shopping facility -Pointe Seraphine (DFPS) will come alive with the sights and sounds of carnival, when for the second consecutive year Mas on the Pier is staged.  The initiative is the brainchild of the National Development Corporation - owner and manager of Duty Free Pointe Seraphine - and will run from 10am to 5pm on Thursday, July 16, 2009.

Acting Operations Manager at the Complex Miss. Dinah Hipployte say, Mas on the Pier seeks to build on the tremendous successes recorded over the past six years in staging "Jazz on the Pier."  The rationale she says is to expose the increasing number of cruise ship passenger to St. Lucia's premier cultural spectacle - Carnival.  Hippolyte says Mas on the Pier serves as yet another encouraging factor to get more of the non-disembarking passengers to visit the complex and subsequently the many fine stores.

The day's activities will feature steel pan renditions from the Harmonites Steel Orchestra, together with live performances from some of the calypso, groovy and power soca artistes. Confirmed artistes include Groovy Monarch Alpha, first runner winner Q-Pid, and several other artistes who took part in the just concluded Power soca competition namely first runner up Islah Man together with Platinum George, Mantius, and others. Also on the cards to perform at Mas on the Pier are former Calypso Monarchs Invader and the Educator.

Another highlight of the day will be the showcasing of carnival bands portraying their themes for 2009. The newly crowned Carnival Queen Miss CES-Iva Satney and the other contestants will also make appearances. Although largely geared toward cruise ship passengers, the general public is invited to the event.