President of the SCDF Stuart Johnson said the increase in subsidy, as discussed with the Minister, will in large part be devoted to marketing of Carnival as the island premier cultural festival in an effort to attract more visitors. "We are pleased to note that after years of lobbying for an increase, the Minister understands that Carnival can be of significant economic value to St. Maarten once significantly supported by government," Johnson said.
"The board of the SCDF continues to think long term with Carnival. This long term vision includes elevating St. Maarten's Carnival in the Northern Caribbean to the level and stature of Trinidad's in the South. We have a unique product, St. Maarten is strategically located, we intend to take full advantage of all those aspects. Additional funding only helps to serve those causes," Johnson said.
Johnson said the SCDF now looks forward to meeting with the Minister to go over some of the details of the increased funding and what his expectations are. Carnival 2012 is scheduled to run from April 19, 2012 to May 2, 2012.