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 Roots—Global Excellence” came alive.
CARICOM’s Assistant Secretary-General, Human and Social Development, Alison Drayton
In her remarks at the CARIFESTA XV closing ceremony on Sunday, 31 August, CARICOM’s Assistant Secretary-General, Human and Social Development, Alison Drayton, highlighted that the Festival celebrated the vibrant tapestry of Caribbean culture showcased over ten unforgettable days in Barbados.
She recognised the dedication of Barbados as host, the artists who brought the Festival to life, and the regional cooperation that made it all possible. The ASG advocated for continued investment in culture as a cornerstone of development and identity, expressing gratitude to organisers, leaders, and participants.
Please read her remarks below.
Good evening to all of you.
We are many islands, but one sea.
Many voices, yet one harmony.
Through art and culture, our spirit soars.
Caribbean roots — forever, forever more!
They say all good things must come to an end… and yes, that even includes ten days of Caribbean food, music, and art. Some of you may secretly wish we could extend CARIFESTA for “just one more week” — but let’s be honest, our waistlines, voices, and dancing shoes probably need the rest!
As the curtain comes down on CARIFESTA XV, I am honoured to deliver remarks on behalf of the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community, H.E. Dr. Carla Barnett, at this Closing Ceremony.
Over these past ten days, we have been immersed in an exciting and rich creative experience at this premier regional showcase of Caribbean art and culture. From the visual and performing arts to film, fashion, the literary arts, the Youth Village, great food and spectacular country night presentations in the Grand Market, the symposia and Big Conversation series, CARIFESTA has once again shown us the best of our Region.
Though small in size, our Caribbean is immense in creativity. We are a Region of many languages, rhythms and stories — and during this Festival, we have sung, danced, painted, acted, debated, and performed our truth for the world to see.
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 Roots – Global Excellence” came alive.
Organising a mega Festival is no small task. I commend the entire host country team led by Ms. Carol Roberts, including all supporting committees, technical, artistic, marketing and logistical teams, staff, liaisons and volunteers. Your commitment and cheerful spirit helped make CARIFESTA XV a resounding success—congratulations!
To the many countries and partner organisations that participated, sincere appreciation. And to the artists and cultural practitioners — you are the soul of CARIFESTA. You turned experience into expression and identity into inspiration. Your creativity and energy made this Festival truly unforgettable.
CARIFESTA remains one of the finest examples of our regional cooperation. Every performance, every exhibit, every culinary delight strengthened the bonds between our nations and reminded us that, while we come from different countries, we are one Caribbean family.
CARIFESTA XV has reawakened our collective pride, and we thank Barbados for bringing it back on the regional agenda with such style. As we look ahead, let us place culture at the centre of our development, invest in our artists, protect our heritage, and grow the creative industries that fuel both our economies and our identities.
I also wish to acknowledge the Interim Festival Directorate, the Regional Cultural Committee, and the staff of the CARICOM Secretariat for their dedicated support. Thank you for your tireless work.
This year, we were pleased to welcome several Heads of Government and Ministers of Culture, a strong sign of our Region’s commitment to CARIFESTA, culture and the arts. On behalf of all of us, I extend sincere appreciation to our leaders for their presence and support.
So let the drums echo, let the voices rise,
Caribbean art will never disguise.
We dance, we sing, we laugh, we play —
One people, one spirit, at the end of this day.
It has been wonderful to share in the festivities together here in Barbados. As you return home, may you carry with you the memories, the rhythms — and perhaps just a little sand in your shoes, because that’s how you know you’ve truly been to CARIFESTA in Barbados!
Thank you, and enjoy the rest of the evening.
