An eighty member contingent will be representing Guyana at the 2015 Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) in Haiti. Minister within the Ministry of Education Nicolette Henry told the media that the contingent will represent all aspects of Guyanese culture.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport on Friday, August 07, the Minister said that the group will include artists and cultural workers representing the following disciplines:
Visual Arts (5 persons,) Craft (3,) Literary Arts (3) Symposia (2) Storytelling (1) Fashion (3) Youth (2) Body Art (1) Culinary Art (4) Film and Media (3) Drama (12) Dance (18) Music (17) Indigenous (2) and Body Soul (1). Accompanying the delegation will be three officials.
According to Minister Henry, sending the contingent to CARFIESTA will cost the Government million. This cost includes, preparatory works, transportation, accommodation and material for the entire delegation, she said.
The Minister advised that the investment in the contingent for CARIFESTA must be looked at beyond the dollar value. She said that it must be assessed in terms of the positive impact it will have on the development of culture in Guyana and the region.
“Culture is said to be the oil that keeps society running. Through culture, you get a better understanding of traditions and it also allows us to showcase what we have, and it also increases knowledge level,” the Minister said.
She pointed out that both knowledge and tradition in many quarters are the main pillars of development. They are, as well the sustenance of many societies, she noted.
The investment in Guyana’s participation in CARIFESTA 2015 will also ensure the country continues its rich legacy with regards to the cultural event. As the Minister pointed out, when it comes to CARIFESTA, Guyana has not only hosted the event twice (in 1972 and 2008) but has also been one of the front-runners in participating in the event.
Guyana has participated in all eleven (11) CARIFESTAS held so far. The nation has also been participating in all the disciplines at the event, she noted. [Extracted and modified from GINA]. Article courtesy http://www.inewsguyana.com/
