Dominica’s First Lady of Song, Ophelia Olivacee-Marie said that local artists have not been given the limelight at the World Creole Music Festival over the years. She believes that many things have been implanted in the festival that “don’t necessarily give the local artists an opportunity to shine”.

In addition, local artists are either placed “first where there are not too many patrons or we put them right down when like anybody else they are very tired”. She cited an instance where Jeff Jo,(in his senior years at the time) was performing at 4:00 Am and felt that time slot didn’t facilitate him performing at his best.

She congratulates the organisers saying that she notices an effort to change the trend and allow local artists to receive better performing time slots. She says, ” I sincerely hope that locals are placed in a position where they can shine.”Mrs. Marie made these remarks on Wednesday at the weekly Press Conference held by the Dominica Festivals Committee.