Shamari I. Haynes- Carnival Guru- Festival 2021/2022

October 27, 2021

Shamari Haynes is the Assistant Director Division of St. Croix for The Division of Festivals. Long title huh? Well never mind the title. All you have to remember is it is the most important responsibility during the festival season. Without his new vision, creativity, planning, and organization, the Christmas and Three Kings festivities would not be what they are today. Shamari plays an important role in making sure everything runs smoothly.

The Division of Festivals was originally established by Kenneth Map back in January of 2019 and officially appointed by Albert Bryan, Jr. in October of that year. The Division of Festivals is run by Ian Turnbull who is the director. Under him, each island has a respective assistant director who acts as a district director.

Shamari is not a newcomer to the world of Festival. Affectionately known as the Carnival Guru. A costume designer and creator of Simply Sophisticated Troupe, his designs command attention as they make their way down the parade route.

Shamari stresses how important it is that the festival be inclusive of every one who partakes – not only booth owners and carnival troops but also private businesses that host private events throughout the season.

A driving force behind Shamori’s success is believing if you are passionate about something, or if there’s something that you love to do but you’re afraid of doing, just do it. Go for it. He goes on to say it takes lots of patience. No matter how you may feel in a situation, you can work to resolve it in the long term.