The Carifesta opening

Photos and interviews by Melissa Charles

This week we asked persons at the Carifesta opening their opinion of the ceremony.

Carene Alexander, teacher:
‘I think the opening ceremony was very good. Despite the rain everything went well. There were a few little things that could have been better though. The stage at the centre is too far off and you really could not see some things clearly. I was a member of the choir and I totally enjoyed performing out there as a part of Carifesta. I really think that everyone who played a part in the show did their best in whatever they had to do.’

Maureen Joseph, teacher:
‘For me it was exciting and I think it was well done. I am glad that I was able to play a part in the performances as a part of the choir. I know firsthand that a lot of hard work was put in to make the show a success. The only difficulty with the entire thing is that limited amounts of tickets were available and even though we volunteered our services we were not given tickets for even one of our family members, to come and share this experience with us.
Nevertheless the performances were excellent. Also the contingents for some of the countries were small; maybe because of the crime rate more people did not come however we are still enjoying it.’

Nicola Waldron, Journalist/ Social Community Mobiliser:
‘It was an extraordinary opening ceremony and I would not have wanted to miss it for the entire world. I am a bit disappointed that the parachuting did not come off but still congrats is in order for Guyana. I hope that the remainder of the festival will be as wonderful as the opening ceremony. We were just given a taste of what the other countries have to offer here and I hope that the other activities will be as wonderful. This has whetted my appetite and I am looking forward for more.’

Timothy Fraser, teacher:
‘It started out exciting but to the end it became boring. The performances had everyone’s attention but somewhere along the line it was lost. The contingent for some countries was disappointing but of course the Surinamese were outstanding. Guyana had a big contingent but it wasn’t as representative of our culture as Suriname’s. The organization of the event seemed a bit disjointed – it didn’t flow as smoothly as an event of this magnitude should have. Some of the items also were not properly coordinated at all.’

Deomattie Shivbasant, Fruit Vendor:
‘Despite the rain and the bad weather at first it was lovely for me. I really enjoyed it. I am 45 and this is my first Carifesta or festival of this type. I am glad that I had an opportunity to come to the opening ceremony and witness what Guyana can do. I think though that the other countries should have sent more people as a part of their contingents.’

Leon Nelson, Public Service Employee:
‘Well I was bitterly disappointed that the parachuting wasn’t pulled off, but in the end I still enjoyed myself with the other performances. Some of the foreign contingents were a bit disappointing although Suriname put on a splendid performance, their contingent was outstanding. That is probably because they live very close and could have gotten more things into the country over land. Also the music should have been a bit spicier for the dance routines; it wasn’t lively enough -got boring at points.’

Debbie Seenauth, Public Sector Employee:
‘I got soaked and the rain kind of dampened my spirit at first but then the programme started and I began to enjoy myself. No aspect of the show was disappointing to me. I am glad that I was here for the opening but I don’t think that I will fight up to go to the other events though. I enjoyed the colours and the festive air about everything.’

Derrel Bell, student:
‘Well at first the stands were scarcely full and then the rain came but then there was a good turnout despite the bad weather. I am a volunteer and despite being busy around the place I still managed to enjoy the items. I am definitely looking forward to the rest of the events, especially those that are young people oriented.’

Praveen Persaud, Teacher:
‘We had a hiccup with the weather but we still managed to pull it off very smoothly I think. The actual pulling off of the opening ceremony has demonstrated unity among Guyana and its neighbours at large. I believe that having hosted cricket and now Carifesta shows that we as a country can do anything. What I liked most about the activities were the diversity of cultures represented by the different contingents, it was very evident in the items in the programme and in the costumes displayed.’

Amna Bartholomew, shop manager:
‘Well my husband and I are on holiday, we stayed on for Carifesta. It was a spectacular show, the costumes and everything else was lovely. One little thing though the stage was so very far off that you weren’t seeing very clearly sometime. And the firework was spectacular. I loved it. I think that the small amount of persons in the contingents was okay because no confusion ensued. If there were more people I think it would have been confusing. I am proud of Guyana.

Shuwana Stout, British Virgin Island contingent:
Well tonight was wonderful I think that what Guyana put on is up to par with Carnival or other festivals in the other Caribbean nations. The costumes, the colour, and the designs- it was all wonderful. The entire programme seemed like it was well thought out and a lot of work was put into it. I totally enjoyed myself and am looking forward to the other events.