PM hints that SVG may host Carifesta in future

Although being one of the smaller contingents to participate in the tenth edition of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA), St. Vincent and the Grenadines can hold its head high for its outstanding contribution to the ten day event taking place in Guyana.{{more}}

The festival, which saw more than thirty of the region’s nations coming together under the theme ‘One Caribbean, One Purpose, Our Culture Our Life’, (non Caribbean nations like Brazil, Suriname, Venezuela and Indonesia also participated) showcased the many cultures that could be found in the various territories.

Though some of the cultures may be indigenous to a country, a number of customs and practices have connecting roots, derived from the African, Indian and other native heritage that the region is blessed with.

The customs, practices and celebrations came together like a giant fabric woven by the various songs, art, music, dances and food, and were on display for the world to see and share.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines fitted right into the bright pattern, and in some areas outshone our neighbors to the north and south of us.

Our cultural performances: poetry, drumming, dancing, pan and folk singing, were appreciated and applauded by all who gathered to witness the presentation both at City Hall and the Grand Market.

Reigning calypso monarch ‘Princess Monique’ Hector and former road march and ragga soca king Skarpyon wowed the Grand Market main stage and the chutney/calypso shows, after being denied the opportunity to participate at the Super Concert at the National Stadium.

This country’s artists were in for high praise from other contingents, with a piece by Lennox ‘Dinks’ Johnson called Bamboo Serenade being called one of the best paintings at the Visual Arts Exhibition.

The work by Community College students also came in for high praise, leading to an invitation for some of the works and their creators being invited back to the South American country for their annual art exhibition next year.

A number of the literary pieces written by Vincentian authors were snatched up by book enthusiasts, following the launch of Vincentian publications at the literary exhibition.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines boasted the youngest author of the festival in primary school pupil Storm Halbich, and featured works by a former and current Prime Minister.

The youth forum and forum of Indigenous Peoples were well represented and appreciated.

Although not an official part of the festival’s Culinary Arts, this country’s food booth was one of the most visited at the Grand Market and featured local and traditional dishes like pelau, black fish, and in the absence of Jack fish, Breadfruit and Saltfish.

Our booth at the Grand Market recorded a high level of traffic, which featured various food products and drinks on display; the most popular being the Sunset Strong Rum.

The fashion of St. Vincent and the Grenadines was also on display at the Fashion Focus, which featured the work of a number of local designers.

Led by Minister of Culture Honorable Rene Baptiste, St. Vincent and the Grenadines without a doubt left a mark CARIFESTA Ten, and by all indications would do so again at future festivals.

Speaking of future, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who was at the festival for the first few days, hinted that this country may be able to host CARIFESTA in years to come; more than likely following the completion of the International Airport at Argyle.

CARIFESTA Ten comes to an end on Sunday with a Grand Closing Ceremony.