CARIFESTA XV
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From Festival to Future: CARIFESTA XV Lives On Through Caribbean Youth Creativity
Months after the curtains closed on CARIFESTA XV, the Region’s flagship cultural festival is still making waves this time through the voices, stories and creative expressions of Caribbean youth. The Division of Culture in the Prime Minister’s Office (Barbados) has officially launched Echoes of Us—Our Voice. Our Vibe., the CARIFESTA XV Creative Youth Legacy Competition, a regional initiative designed to…
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CARICOM in 2025: Advancing “A Community for All”
The year 2025 marked a significant chapter in CARICOM’s journey, as the Community advanced key initiatives and programmes that strengthen regional integration and cooperation. These achievements and milestones highlight unwavering commitment to building “A Community for All,” one that reflects unity, resilience, and shared progress across the Caribbean. Here are some highlights:
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Caribbean Education Leaders Unite to Drive Bold Transformation across the Region
“[Education] Transformation does not happen by accident. It requires vision, planning, and, most importantly, courage,” stated Dr Abel-Jeffrey, “As Chief Education Officers and Directors of Education, we are uniquely positioned to drive that transformation – to rethink outdated policies, challenge inequitable systems, and promote innovation across all levels of education.” – Dr Dianne Abel-Jeffrey | Chief Education Officer of Grenada…
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Literary Legend takes centre stage at CARIFESTA XV: Paul Keens-Douglas
Literary legend and cultural icon Paul Keens-Douglas captivated a new generation of storytellers at CARIFESTA XV with his transformative workshop, Vibrant Roots Storytelling Workshop, held on Tuesday, 26 August at the Daphne Joseph Hackett Theatre. With a legacy spanning decades and works such as Tim Tim: The Dialect Poetry of Paul Keens-Douglas (1976) and Tanti At De Oval: Selected Works,…
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One Caribbean, Many Voices: CARIFESTA XV Closes with a Resounding Celebration of Unity, Culture, and Creative Excellence
“The Community is deeply grateful for the warm hospitality of the Government and people of Barbados, and for the tremendous efforts of the host country in organising this Festival. On behalf of the Region, I congratulate and thank Prime Minister Mia Mottley, your Cabinet, and the hardworking Host Country Management Committee, for creating this excellent space where the theme “Caribbean…
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CARIFESTA XV Ignites Momentum for CARICOM Reparations Movement with “Big Conversation”
On Wednesday, 27 August, the CARICOM reparations movement took centre stage at CARIFESTA XV with a landmark event titled “Big Conversations | Righting Wrongs: CARICOM’s Call for Reparations, Justice and Healing.” Held at the iconic Queen’s Park Esplanade, the gathering marked a pivotal moment in the Region’s ongoing pursuit of reparatory justice and historical reckoning and underscored CARICOM’s commitment to international…
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CARIFESTA XV Grand Market Shines with Caribbean Ingenuity and Sustainable Spirit
Sustainability theme reflected in local products at Grand Market Under the powerful theme “Caribbean Roots, Global Excellence,” CARIFESTA XV ignites a celebration of heritage, creativity, and forward-thinking resilience. Nowhere is this vision more vividly expressed than at the Grand Market, where regional artisans and innovators showcase products that honour tradition while embracing sustainability. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with…
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Secretary-General Barnett highlights CARICOM’s New Pathways for Youth Leadership at CARIFESTA XV Youth Village
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is charting bold new territory in youth engagement with transformative strategies to empower the next generation of Caribbean leaders. During a visit to the CARIFESTA XV Youth Village on Monday 25 August, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett reaffirmed the Community’s commitment to placing young voices at the heart of regional development. With the theme “Caribbean Roots.…
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CARIFESTA XV Ignites the Creative and Entrepreneurial Spirit across the Caribbean
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…
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Remarks | Dr Carla Barnett | CARICOM Secretary-General | Opening Ceremony | CARIFESTA XV
Dr Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of CARICOM, delivered a speech at the Opening Ceremony of CARIFESTA XV. You can read her full remarks below. Salutations. What a significant moment for all of us who have gathered in beautiful Barbados, for the Caribbean’s cultural extravaganza, CARIFESTA XV! I extend very warm greetings to everyone, both here at Queen’s Park, and those watching…
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