On Thursday morning, Guyana’s 100-strong contingent boarded a plane and headed to Trinidad and Tobago for the much anticipated Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) XIV.
Once there, most of the team used the extra time to rehearse for the festival while others opted to do some sightseeing.
According to Artistic Director, Andrew Tyndall, there was a slight hiccup but he assured that it will be resolved in time for the Parade of Nations.
“We have been trying for the last two to three day to get our cargo to set up our Guyana booths but that has been moving a bit slowly. However, we are optimistic that this hurdle will be overcome…We are so excited to be here at CARIFESTA to begin to showcase what Guyana has to offer.”
He noted that the event presents an opportunity for the country’s delegation to be ambassadors for Guyana, particularly in light of the recent interest in Guyana’s potential oil industry.
For the colourful and exuberant Parade of Nations, being held today, August 16, the delegation will get decked out in the colours of the Golden Arrowhead while they take centre stage as they did previously in Barbados for the regional events.
“Our participants will be decked out in the colours of the National Flag, and we will have specific a section where we will make good use of body art which will be done by Bravo’s Art catered for the persons of National drama and dance company,” the Artistic Director explained.
The Department of Public Information (DPI) caught up with some of the members of the Guyana delegation as they fine-tuned their acts before the big night.
Maxi Williams, who is a part of the Fashion and Masquerade team, said this year’s CARIFESTA is one that he is very excited to attend. “I have attended CARIFESTA in Suriname and other countries. CARIFESTA is one of the places where the talent and creative industry really come together and as an artist myself, I am looking forward to that connection.”
Darius Austin, a steel pan player, said, “There is excitement mainly because this is the home of the steel pan, so we have to put our best foot forward.”
The festival brings together renowned writers, artists, musicians and intellectuals, featuring intercultural dialogue and celebrating the region’s diversity.
The island of Trinidad and Tobago is hosting this event for the fourth time: its first was in 1992, then again in 1995 and 2006.
The other Member States that have hosted this regional event are Guyana (1972, 2008), Jamaica (1976), Cuba (1979), Trinidad and Tobago (1992, 1995, 2006), St. Kitts and Nevis (2000), Suriname (2003, 2013) and Haiti (2015)
(Department of Public Information)
