CARIFESTA XV is more than a celebration of Caribbean culture. It is a powerful catalyst for economic prosperity and creative resilience. In an exchange with CARICOM Secretariat Communications Manager Dike Noel, Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett affirms the festival’s vital role in shaping a brighter future for Caribbean entrepreneurs.
“CARIFESTA creates lasting opportunities that empower entrepreneurs and contribute to their long-term business success…[the festival shows that] we can make a living from the things we love and do well. We hope exhibitors build long-term relationships with customers, not just within the Region, but internationally” said Dr Barnett during her visit to the vibrant Grand Market on Sunday.
, She also emphasised that creativity is not only the soul of art,it is the engine of innovation.
“It’s important to show our creativity, because how we respond to any situation is really a reflection of how creative we are,” she noted. “Our artistic creativity cannot be separated from the creativity we utilise in problem-solving.”
From handcrafted goods to local products and culinary delights, the Grand Market showcased the extraordinary talent of regional artisans and creatives.
The Secretary-General also highlighted the pending development of an online platform that should extend the reach of Caribbean artists and creatives , envisioning it as an initiative that will continue to uplift artists and entrepreneurs long after the event concludes.
She affirmed that CARIFESTA XV stands as a beacon of hope, proving that through creativity, community, and commerce, the Caribbean can thrive, no matter the challenge.
With a smile, Dr Barnett encouraged visitors to support the exhibitors:
“I hope you’ve brought your wallets! There are a lot of good things to buy!”
She elaborates below on CARIFESTA’s role in fostering opportunity and success for Caribbean business owners.
About CARIFESTA XV:
CARIFESTA XV opened on Friday, 22 August at Queen’s Park, in Bridgetown, Barbados. The Opening Ceremony marked the triumphant return of the Region’s premier arts festival. After an extended hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) is back, bringing together artists, cultural leaders, and enthusiasts from across the Caribbean and beyond.
About CARIFESTA
CARIFESTA is an international multicultural event organised on a periodic basis by countries of the Caribbean. The last festival, CARIFESTA XV, was hosted in Trinidad and Tobago in 2019, under the theme “Connect, Share Invest.”
