The Region has been promised a cultural feast when the five-day celebrations of CARIFESTA VIII are hosted in Suriname
At a special launching ceremony held in Georgetown Friday last, a Suriname delegation led by Minister of Education and Community Development, Hon. Walter Sandriman unveiled the CARIFESTA logo, announced the slogan and released the jingle for what promises to be a most unique cultural blast, full of energy and diversity. Minister Sandriman called for support from all CARICOM Member States to ensure the success of the festival.
Secretary General of CARICOM, Mr Edwin Carrington, noting the importance of CARIFESTA on the cultural calendar of the Region described the festival as a perceptive initiative “which helps to foster the kinds of interconnections between artistes and the community, and the bonding of regional sensitivity and sensibility about the value of cultural talents.”
Stressing that culture lies at the heart of our existence, Mr Carrington appealed to all CARICOM Ministers of the Social Sector to revive their commitment to the development of the Caribbean Foundation for Culture and Arts. “Culture is a vital aspect of our aspect of our aesthetics, but its economic value needs to be promoted and highlighted in this era of globalisation”, the Secretary General added.
AT CARIFESTA VIII, the Region’s diverse cultural heritage will be showcased through full participation of Member States of CARICOM, the Association of Caribbean States and the wider Caribbean. For Suriname, it is a chance to share its cultural diversity with the Caribbean and the world, especially given the growing interest in and orientation to the Caribbean. CARIFESTA Committee spokesman, Mr Chas Warning views the slogan, “Many cultures, The Essence of Togetherness, the Spirit of the Caribbean” as a challenge.
“CARIFESTA is a platform to launch the regional integration movement and we are not only expectant, but also proud to have the honour of facilitating that process. It is an opportune time to show the world our diversity,” Mr Warning said.
Boasting a multi-cultural society, blessed with a rich melange of art and culture, the people of Suriname believe that the hosting of CARIFESTA VIII gives them, a one of a kind opportunity, to “create, develop and foster further unity within the countries of CARICOM, through cultural exchange and to develop their economies primarily via tourism.”
Suriname holds the regional cabinet portfolio for Culture and will be the seventh Caribbean State to host the cultural extravaganza following, Guyana, Jamaica, Cuba, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and St Kitts and Nevis.
