The twin-island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is embracing its Caribbean brothers and sisters from Member countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and beyond, as some twenty countries from the Region have converged on the host country of CARIFESTA VII to share in a milieu of activities portraying the arts and culture of the Caribbean.
The ten-day festival has come with a Caribbean life of its own to the twin-island CARICOM Member State where contingents of participating countries, visitors and observers alike, are basking in the rich Caribbean fare of art music, dance, drama, sculpture, and literature.
Amidst a colourful display of fireworks and the cheering thousands, residents and visitors voices in blend and in mellow echo in the early Caribbean evening of it own natural mix of the star studded sky back drop to the natural vegetation and undulating hills in partial shadow, CARIFESTA VII got underway on the evening of August 17 at Warner Park, in St. Kitts and Nevis.
In declaring the Festival open, the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, the Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, said: “CARIFESTA must be a powerful vehicle through which our people can learn to appreciate the tremendous value of the similarities and diversities that have constituted us, the vibrant and progressive people that we are, living in the beautiful and enchanting Caribbean.”
The Prime Minister said that the artistes and performers should see CARIFESTA as an opportunity to share their knowledge and techniques or simply to dialogue among themselves on the myriad issues impacting their art-form.
He added that this top Regional cultural fiesta must be seen as, among other things, an opportunity for the people of the Region to express appreciation to their cultural heroes and icons. Dr. Douglas noted that the Festival is a definition of what is truly Caribbean as it portrays an excited mix of the way of life of Caribbean people.
Prime Minister Douglas mentioned that CARIFESTA is just a part of the process of regional integration, and he alluded to it playing a part in preparing the Region to take a more prominent place in the world.
Prior to the festival’s official opening, C officials, in addressing regional and international journalists here for the event, said that Carifesta VII will be different as the twin-island Federation grapple with the challenges of compacting and showcasing such a grand exposition in a small territory.
At that forum Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Jacinth Henry-Martin, under whose portfolio CARIFESTA falls, said that the move by St. Kitts and Nevis to host CARIFESTA VII should pave the way for other small countries to take up the mantle of keeping Caribbean culture alive.
Carifesta VII activities continued on August 18 with the official opening of the Grand Market, the main centre of activities during the next 10 days. The Grand Market features a variety of activities, including an exhibition of indigenous arts and craft, music, dance, folklore and a display of culinary delights.
Activities continue daily at the Grand Market until the end of the festival, while there will be several other events taking place throughout the twin-island federation. Among them will be a series of symposia aimed at examining the cultural traditions of Caribbean people and to chart a course for its continued development.
CARIFESTA VII is being held under the theme, “Caribbean Arts and Culture – Reflecting, Consolidating, Moving on.”
