Park to be upgraded for comfort, ease and aesthetics

The Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) is taking significant steps to ensure that Victoria Park, the main carnival venue, is accessible to everyone, including senior citizens and persons with disabilities who must use a wheel chair.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rodney Small, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, revealed plans to improve the Victoria Park venue by providing wheelchair access and general mobility within the facility.

He said that separate entrances will be provided for senior citizens and persons in wheelchairs, so they do not have to line up with the regular crowd.

“Currently, Victoria Park doesn’t have proper wheelchair access, but we’re fixing that. We’re making sure everyone can come,” Small said on Tuesday, while noting that the changes are part of a larger plan to modernize Victoria Park, with particular attention to inclusion and comfort.

Among the other areas of upgrade are a designated entrance for seniors and wheelchair users, bathrooms to accommodate mobility challenges, improved food court layout and access, and enhanced photo walls and scenic points.

“…our senior citizens, don’t worry yourself. We’re going to have a separate gate for you .. for entry, so that you don’t have to line up with some of these young people who’s trying to get into the rush. So, we are catering for senior citizens and persons who need wheelchair access, because currently we do not have a wheelchair access here at Victoria Park…”, Small said.

Vincy Mas 2025 will also see clear signage and mapping throughout Kingstown for essential services (bathrooms, taxis, food courts, etc.) and Small said the move marks a major cultural shift in how events in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) are planned, placing the needs of the elderly and differently-able at the heart of the festival experience.

Small also noted that the CDC has a comprehensive security plan, covering not only Victoria Park but all of Kingstown’s Carnival hotspots. He said that people will have access to information maps showing safety zones, key locations, and emergency assistance points.

The new CEO said that the CDC is also working with creatives to deliver a truly immersive experience with new features like virtual reality (VR) carnival previews at entrances, and a food and craft village showcasing the best of local cuisine and local artisans.

“…we’re going to be posting a map where you can find bathrooms, where you can find nearest taxi, where you can find the nearest food court and all of these things. And our new addition- we’re going to do a food and craft village in Kingstown, and we are collaborating with the Art in Action Association, and the Fashion Association to give you a food village that would go for an entire week during Carnival. So, at any given time, you can go to the food village and get local food and local craft from our creatives here in St Vincent and Grenadines,” Small pointed out.

The CEO said it is a truly exciting time for SVG, while adding that people are going to see a new VincyMas with some unique twists, new collaborations and marriages.