(L-R) President of the Washington Foreign Law Society, Ms. Alexandra Bochnakova; Her Excellency Elizabeth Darius-Clarke, Ambassador of Saint Lucia; Her Excellency Jacinth Henry-Martin O.B.E., Ambassador of Saint Kitts and Nevis; His Excellency Tarlie Francis, Ambassador of Grenada; and Ms. Lynsia Frank MPH, of the Embassy of Dominica.
Washington, D.C., January 20, 2026 — The Embassy of St. Kitts and Nevis had the honour of hosting the Washington Foreign Law Society (WFLS) as part of its esteemed Embassy Roundtable Series, convening diplomats, legal professionals, and stakeholders for a timely and engaging discussion on the economic impact of Caribbean festivals.
Held under the theme “From Rhythm to Revenue: How Carnivals and Festivals Drive Tourism, Trade, and Economic Advancement,” the event was a collaborative initiative with fellow CARICOM member states. Insightful and entertaining presentations were delivered by Her Excellency Jacinth Henry-Martin O.B.E., Ambassador of Saint Kitts and Nevis; Her Excellency Elizabeth Darius-Clarke, Ambassador of Saint Lucia; His Excellency Tarlie Francis, Ambassador of Grenada; and Ms. Lynsia Frank MPH, of the Embassy of Dominica. Together, the presenters highlighted how carnivals and festivals serve as powerful engines for cultural preservation, tourism growth, trade promotion, and broader economic development within their respective countries.
Ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis, Her Excellency Jacinth Henry-Martin, underscored the significance of the collaboration, stating, “I am grateful for your collaboration in highlighting and cataloging the vital role that our carnivals and festivals play in preserving and celebrating our rich cultural heritage. Your participation reflects the unity of our Caribbean family and our shared commitment to advancing dialogue on issues of common cultural and economic significance. These expressions of identity are not only sources of pride and continuity for our peoples, but also powerful drivers of tourism, trade, and employment generation, and meaningful contributors to the breadth and sustainability of our economic advancement.”
Founded in 1952, the Washington Foreign Law Society is a non-profit, tax-exempt educational organization based in the District of Columbia. The Society is dedicated to promoting knowledge and understanding of international legal matters, comparative legal issues, and foreign law.
President of the WFLS, Ms. Alexandra Bochnakova, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration and gratitude to the Embassy of St. Kitts and Nevis for hosting the event. She also thanked the presenters for, in her words, “bringing a ray of sunshine” through their vibrant and engaging presentations.
This initiative provided a dynamic platform for discussion around a shared and practical reality across many CARICOM member states, while simultaneously promoting the vibrant festivals and carnivals of the Caribbean region, allowing participants to gain broad exposure to the region’s diverse cultural offerings and economic potential.
The Embassy of St. Kitts and Nevis remains committed to advancing cultural diplomacy and strengthening partnerships that highlight the Caribbean’s creative industries as drivers of sustainable economic advancement.
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