The Culture Ministry on Thursday gave Linden an early view of some of the features and guidelines for their contributions to Carifesta X celebrations.
Minister Dr Frank Anthony and members of the Carifesta Secretariat held talks with the region as it will be one of six hosting some aspects of the festival. According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release, Linden was updated on the launching of the Carifesta caravan at the Mackenzie bus park that will promote the festival at popular locations in the town. The launching featured chutney performances by dancing sensation Sandella and the performers who mimicked the Carifesta logo at the opening hosted in Georgetown late last month.
Anthony and the team also met regional officials and stakeholders in the culture field to discuss the means of preparedness and to solicit their support. Region Ten Chairman Mortimer Mingo who is a member of the Carifesta board, met with regional councillors at the office of the Regional Democratic Council. The minister told the region that planning at the regional level is crucial as it will determine its ability to manage and determine which Carifesta events are appropriate for Linden. In this regard he urged them to establish a regional planning committee that will support the ministry and the Secretariat’s efforts to host this regional segment. “We have less than 100 days to go before hosting CARIFESTA and we are relying on you to coordinate, manage and step up as good hosts,” he said.
At the same time, Anthony also told Lindeners that they can expect to reap enormous benefits from hosting the festival. He said it is an opportunity for the town to market itself and encourage visitors to return. “You have a proud mining history … and the popular annual linden town week activities. We have so far 1376 persons already confirmed to come to Guyana for CARIFESTA and this is a golden opportunity to impress them,” Anthony said. He said too he was optimistic about the region’s capabilities to participate in the festival as it boasts many talented performers. Anthony said a major search for talent is expected to unearth the region’s hidden talent in folk songs, dramatic poetry, drumming and others. He also encouraged persons who know talented performers to identify them early.
Mingo committed to planning for the region’s participation. The Watooka Sports Club and the Linden Concert Hall and School have been cited as possible venues for the festival’s activities.
