Photos and interviews
by Melissa Charles
This week we asked the man/woman in the street what their favourite Carifesta event was and what made it stand out.
Shimuel Jones, artist:
‘Well my favourite aspect of Carifesta is the visual arts. I love the art on display at the Castellani House. Guyana’s premier artists are on display there and it’s just wonderful; as a budding artist I really appreciate the opportunity given to me to see all these great works not only from here but throughout the Caribbean. My work is on show here (Gymnasium) and the crowd and interest shown has been on an acceptable level, although I have found that Guyanese don’t really appreciate art.’
Karen Oliver, Barbados contingent:
‘The first super concert was definitely my favourite activity. The X-Factor dance group did a wonderful presentation and I happen to love that kind of dancing so I really enjoyed it.
Then there was the Guyanese group ‘First born,’ they were great. Of course I had to be there for the performance from the Barbadian artistes. The other Carifesta activities have been very enjoyable and educational also. I like the grand markets also because it was representative of so many different cultures. As a performer I enjoyed travelling to the different regions, to perform the technical arts.’
Davianne Phillips, Barbados contingent:
‘For me the grand market was fantastic, the craft on display was absolutely wonderful. But what I really loved was the country exhibitions that were put on each night that allowed for me to learn about the different Caribbean territories.
The Amerindian village was really great. It’s the first time I have seen something of the sort; as they actually live. You would normally see them in a museum or on TV so this was a novelty. Generally Carifesta X was a wonderful experience.’
Joseph Ramjohn, commercial artist:
‘What I liked best was the cultural presentations by the different countries. I really appreciated seeing the different folk dances and drumming. The rhythm, the tempo and the styles were all very fascinating. Montserrat put on a really good show but for me the Bahamas was absolutely striking. And credit must be given to the Surinamese contingent for their sterling contribution; it seems like everywhere you went Surinamese were present.
The Brazilian air show was also very interesting for me.
One thing though, the preparation at the city hall was not good at all. And there was an Indo night last Thursday and they were playing oldies music, when I inquired they said that was all they had, which was not nice at all. Generally however I enjoyed myself.’
Courtney Marcus,
‘Well I appreciate art even though I really don’t understand most of it, so I have gone to some of the art exhibitions. I have only been to the opening ceremony but I watch the other activities on TV. And I had really wanted to go to the Oliver Samuels play but made a move too late.
One thing that I know now is that Guyanese need to get a better perception and understanding of art. Guyanese artists and those in general are not really appreciated as they should be and Carifesta I think has opened the eyes of many. Also it is good that despite the many challenges the event was pulled off. I think the government did an excellent job with this quantum event.’
Ryan Rickford, banker
‘My favourite event was the Brazilian skywriting. I think mainly because it was a novelty event; it’s not something Guyanese- or certainly me- have seen before and so I enjoyed it immensely. I am an artist myself and so I am enjoying the exhibitions. At first I didn’t know where the venues were but after a few days they were being published and so I went to them.
Overall I think everything was great, the youth village and all.’
Clyde Edwards, Paramakatoi:
‘For me the Amerindian village was the best. I feel absolutely proud that we (Amerindians) were given an opportunity to showcase not only to Guyana but the Caribbean at large our culture.
It is the first time we have been able to display our culture for such a large and diverse number of people.
I hope now that more people are aware of who and what we are they will desist from discriminating as they usually do. I hope that they will realize that Amerindians have a wonderful culture and skills that’s unique to them.’
Abdol Salim, office assistant:
‘The first Superconcert was my best activity. I love Vegas and I am happy that Carifesta provided a free opportunity to see him perform. The other artistes, including the local performances were not bad either. Although I enjoyed the other activities, none of them provided so much entertainment for me as the concert did.’
Ephraim Thomas, student:
‘For me it is definitely the art exhibits. I am an amateur artist so I got a chance to observe and get a whole education from this. It is just wonderful. This is my first experience at a festival of this magnitude and I am enjoying the different cultures. It’s a new experience and a good education of sorts.’
Gregory Joseph, woodwork craftsman:
‘Well first off I think Carifesta X was a great venture. Although I think all the cultural presentations and exhibitions were flamboyant; the super concerts were the ones I enjoyed the most. I think the events were great and made a sure impact. It is good sign that people of other nations took time off to come to Guyana and be a part of the event and showcase their artistry.
Also we should have more events like this since it is a good way of integrating the Caribbean nations and bringing about a feeling of togetherness. I also hope that since Caribbean territories have had a taste of Guyana’s hospitality they would wake up and be less hostile to us when we visit their countries.
