The Carifesta Secretariat said accommodation and transportation arrangements are now fully in place to facilitate overseas youth participation in Carifesta X.
Chairman of the Carifesta Youth Sub-committee Alfred King said about 250 youth representing 50 Caribbean territories are expected to participate in a youth symposia set for August 23. They are expected to discuss what the festival means to them covering topics such as healthy lifestyles; crime and violence; substance abuse; ‘brain drain’ and Caribbean culture and opportunity. Focus will also be placed on the role of edutainment in promoting healthy lifestyles. The symposia will be hosted at the Guyana International Convention Centre. The release said the overseas youth participation is being sponsored by the United Nations Population Fund.
King said a number of edutainment workshops are also being planned for youth residing outside the city. He said the workshops are designed to allow youth to use the performing arts: dance, music, drama, poetry, storytelling and others to deal with issues affecting them. He said the workshops will see participation from the cast of Merundoi; Artistes in Direct Support and the Ministry of Health. It will conclude with a regional show.
Meanwhile, plans are moving apace in the construction of 12 youth centres for the Carifesta Youth Village at the National Park. It is expected to accommodate over 12,000 youths. The youth centres are being organised by the President’s Youth Award: Republic of Guyana Programme under the theme ‘Focus on Youth for Caribbean Festival of Arts.’ King, who heads the programme, said the Youth Village will be held from August 25-29. It is expected that the village will engage the youth during and after the festival and that it would help them to “develop meaningful life-skills” that will make a positive impact on their lives.
