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 this Opening Ceremony online across the wider Caribbean, and in the diaspora. We just witnessed a spectacular Parade of Countries featuring a colourful explosion of music, dance and talent. This has appropriately set the stage for the cultural feast of literary, visual and culinary arts, dance, theatre, drama, and story-telling, which we will enjoy over the next ten days.
It gives me great pleasure to pay tribute to our gracious hosts – the Government and People of Barbados, whose vision, passion, and tireless efforts have resulted in excellent arrangements for this flagship cultural event.
This is the first staging since the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event has returned to Barbados for the third time, attesting to Barbados’ deeply rooted commitment to regional integration, and significant investment in arts and culture as a national and regional priority.
On behalf of CARICOM, I say a heartfelt, “Thank you very much”.
I join the Government of Barbados in welcoming Heads of Government, Ministers of Culture, and other Government Officials, from our Member States and Associate Members. I also warmly recognise all delegations of artistes; cultural experts and entrepreneurs; and family and friends from CARICOM, the wider Caribbean, and other parts of the world.
I am especially delighted to welcome to CARIFESTA, for the first time, artistes from the African Continent who will stage highly acclaimed plays during this programme. I also welcome our brothers and sisters from Latin America who continue to support this premier regional festival.
Distinguished guests, the rich and inspiring theme for CARIFESTA XV, “Caribbean Roots, Global Excellence”, is an affirmation of a simple but powerful truth – our strength lies in understanding that, at its core, our history and our heritage are the source of our impact far beyond the shores of our Region.
The internationally acknowledged excellence in artistic expression and the creative industries, has given Caribbean artistes a unique and indelible place in the global imagination. In CARICOM, Heads of Government have recognised culture as a priority area for building economic and social resilience; strengthening regional spirit and identity, and engaging our youth.
As the largest and most enduring platform for regional cultural expression, collaboration and connection, CARIFESTA is integral to the overall strategy to develop the Region’s creative sector. It is a catalyst for creative industry development, strategic partnerships, digital innovation, and opportunity for the professional development of artistes.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The Interim Festival Directorate, the host country management team, Directors of Culture across CARICOM, and staff at the CARICOM Secretariat, have prepared an exciting and diverse programme for us to experience over the next ten days.
Thank you to the participants and performers who are ensuring that as we immerse ourselves in the sights, sounds, flavours and ideas that this Festival will offer, CARIFESTA XV will be an enduring testament to the brilliance, boundless creativity and resilience of the people of the Caribbean.
Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.
