CDC needs to be actively engaged with the public

Editor: Over the weekend there was an article in the Search­light newspaper titled “CDC open to suggestions, ideas to improve Vincy Mas”

I was happy to read the organization was appealing to the public for help with suggestions and ideas; to my mind, this is the only way to move forward in trying to improve Vincy Mas.{{more}} Our cultural festival must not be taken lightly. There is money to be made from producing such events.The question is how is the organization going to respond to improve the event, so making it successful and profitable.

I want to suggest that the CDC organization starts thinking about holding town hall meetings throughout the islands. CDC needs to listen to all the people, from the entrepreneurs who are making money from the event, to the man on the street. That is the only way the CDC will find out what needs to be done to improve Vincy Mas.

The CDC organization must not wait for persons to come forward to come up with suggestions. That is not being proactive. The organization needs to go to the people and listen carefully to what the public has to say. CDC must spend time with the people and where necessary, collaborate with the public. CDC must remember Carnival is an event made by the people for the people.

Sure it takes a great deal of planning, time and energy to hold such meetings, but it is a sure way for CDC to get answers for improving Vincy Mas. No one person has the magic answer. It will take the whole community. I firmly believe Vincy Mas is a great product and this is the time for the CDC to be very active in being engaged with the public.

Camille Saunders Musser