Scdf Dedicates St. Maarten Carnival 2026 to “5 for 55” Honorees

SCDF Dedicates St. Maarten Carnival 2026 to “5 for 55” Honorees

The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) has announced that St. Maarten Carnival 2026 will be dedicated to five distinguished individuals whose long-standing contributions have played a vital role in shaping and sustaining the festival over the decades.

The tribute, titled “5 for 55,” commemorates the 55th anniversary of St. Maarten Carnival, which will be celebrated in April 2026. Each honoree represents a unique pillar of Carnival, reflecting service, culture, music, production, and community spirit.

The “5 for 55” honorees are:

Mary Brison
A driving force behind the Meals on Wheels initiative, Ms. Brison is also a long-time Carnival booth holder. Her booth is the only one in Carnival Village that consistently caters to the elderly and physically challenged, a tradition that highlights her compassion and dedication to community service.

Francois Cuchi Hunt
An international concert promoter and owner of Radio St. Martin 101.5 FM, Hunt is credited with establishing Noche Latina as a signature Carnival event. Through his radio platform, he continues to promote Carnival music and culture locally, regionally, and internationally.

Earl Churchie York
Founder and operator of Sound 2000, York has been central to Carnival’s sound, lighting, and stage production for more than 30 years. Carnival 2026 also marks Sound 2000’s 30th anniversary, underscoring a partnership that has grown alongside the festival itself.

Mixmaster Pauly
A veteran DJ and the official DJ of the SCDF, Mixmaster Pauly has performed more sets in Carnival Village than any other local DJ, dating back to the original wooden Carnival Village. His energy and creativity have helped define the Carnival atmosphere on stage and on the road.

Louis Porkchop Richardson
Fondly known as Porkchop, he brought unmatched color, humor, and spirit to the Grand Carnival Parade and road events for many years. His animated presence became an enduring symbol of St. Maarten Carnival, captured in photos and videos shared around the world.

SCDF stated that additional tributes and details honoring the five individuals will be shared in the coming months as Carnival 2026 approaches.

“These five individuals, five true Carnival lovers, have given so much of themselves to this festival,” said Edwardo Radjouki, President of SCDF. “There are many who have contributed to Carnival’s success, but this group stands out because of the vital roles they’ve played across different areas of the celebration. Their dedication, sacrifices, and love for Carnival are beyond measure.”

With this dedication, SCDF says Carnival 2026 will not only celebrate 55 years of festivities, but also honor the people whose passion and commitment helped build the Carnival legacy enjoyed today.