-Secretariat tells region of plans
Berbicians were given a preview of some of the talent expected to be on display during the Caribbean Festival of Arts when the Carifesta caravan rolled into the New Amsterdam Stelling and at Independence Arch in Rose Hall, Corentyne on Tuesday.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release excited onlookers cheered on performers including chutney dancing sensation Sandella and three of the Carifesta logo dancers, from the Classique Dance Company, who performed at the launching ceremony on April 23. The caravan made its inaugural appearance in Linden on May 15 then travelled to the ‘Ancient County’ as the campaign to heighten awareness of Carifesta X moves apace.
The performers also visited the Guyana Teachers Union head office in New Amsterdam where stakeholders in the education, culture and other sectors assembled to watch the performances. Representatives from the Carifesta Secretariat then briefed the audience on how to participate in what is expected to be an historic event and announced other details on the programme roster.
According to GINA, Berbice is one of six regions selected to host various features of the festival. Regional Chairman Zulfikar Mustapha said a list of some of the activities which they proposed that the region host has already been submitted to the Secretariat.
Meanwhile, Information Officer Faizal Jaffarally said the region would give its wholehearted support to Carifesta. He added that the drama and book festivals, super concerts and art and craft displays are some of the activities which the region proposes to host.
GINA said the Region has earmarked New Amsterdam, Corriverton and Albion as possible locations to host some activities for the festival. Representatives from the Secretariat will be working with the region to coordinate transportation, accommodation and other arrangements.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony and Chief Executive Officer of the Carifesta Secretariat Nigel Dharamlall, accompanied by the regional officials spoke with various stakeholders on the benefits of the festival.
Anthony said Berbicians were fortunate to have some of the events hosted in the region and he urged them to set up a regional planning committee to effectively manage them. He also said residents should keep their environment clean and demonstrate great hospitality in order to impress the visitors.
GINA said Suriname and French Guiana are two of the visiting delegations that will be passing through Berbice. The minister said Suriname has confirmed a delegation of 250, including 100 youths. “These groups will be performing for you free of cost but for all of this to happen, we need to have this committee in place and we have to coordinate and plan the events,” Anthony said.
Carifesta X will be hosted from August 22 to 31.
