(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) At the end of a ten-day magical display of Caribbean culture taking place throughout the length and breadth of Guyana, the country’s President, His Excellency Bharat Jagdeo has lauded nationals of Guyana for the tremendous display of hospitality in hosting the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA).
In the 10th staging of the premier festival of its kind in the Caribbean, CARIFESTA X attracted an estimated 3500 artists in the fields of performing, visual and culinary arts. Guyanese and the host of visitors to the country lapped up the bountiful display of talent. Attendance to all CARIFESTA events was free.
“As a Nation, we rose to the occasion, we did ourselves proud, we created a CARIFESTA to remember, the biggest ever,” said President Jagdeo when he addressed the crowd at the CARIFESTA closing ceremony at the Guyana National Stadium on Sunday, 31 August.
The President used the occasion to press home the point that the arts were important in development, emphasing that CARIFESTA had aided in providing a “deeper understanding of the arts and the necessity of placing its development in nation building.”
“We have done a great service to regionalism through this festival. We have breathed new life into CARIFESTA, celebrated the cultural diversity of our people and affirmed this diversity as a uniting force in the Caribbean,” President Jagdeo added.
He stressed that the festival proved to be positive for his fellow citizens.
“A number of persons were trained in a wide array of disciplines. We ventured into new vistas, unearthed a treasure trove of talent and gave our artists the priceless opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the best in the Region. We provided special participation for our young people and the public who welcomed this festival with laudable dignity and hospitality,” President Jagdeo said.
He commended the visiting contingents for their artistry, informing them that they had done both themselves and their countries proud.
“I salute your participation,” said President Jagdeo.
As for Guyana he said, “As a nation we rose to the occasion. We did ourselves proud to put on a CARIFESTA to remember, the biggest CARIFESTA ever.”
The President thanked the CARIFESTA planning team for the “extraordinary work” over the last 12 months in bringing CARIFESTA to Guyana in grand style.
