Guyana

 

Twenty-nine countries onboard for CARIFESTA in Guyana
 
Saturday, July 12, 2008  

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (GINA): As the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) countdown continues, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has reported that 29 countries will be participating in the mega event and that incoming flights have been fully booked up to the week before the event.

At his weekly press conference to update the media on CARIFESTA preparations, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony indicated that the CARIFESTA Secretariat is now looking to add additional flights “to accommodate those who did not get a chance on the booked flight but want to come.”
 Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport
Anthony said 29 countries have confirmed their participation in the 10-day celebration. Botswana has indicated its willingness to participate with a traditional dance group.

He told the media that thus far he is satisfied with the preparations, noting that all the scheduled venues and planned activities are being fine-tuned.

Recently the roofs of some of the popular venues- the Cliff Anderson Sport Hall, National Park and the National Gymnasium were rehabilitated and repainted while effective lightning systems were installed in the three entities. Rehabilitation was also done at the Sophia Exhibition Centre main annex and auditorium to ensure that the venue is equipped to host events such as the display of culinary arts.

Aesthetic work is continuing in Georgetown and around the country, and Anthony urged that all residents make a special effort to enhance their environment.

With respect to the talent search segment, the Culture Minister reported that this is proving successful. Identified for praise was the Region 10 contingent which has done well. The Region Four talent search will be held today at the Plaisance Community High school.

Among the exciting activities planned for the upcoming event slated for August 22 to 31, is a Film festival to be held at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

Guyanese interested in entering the festival must indicate their participation by July 31. Other countries will also be taking part in this segment bringing in their local films for the festival, Minister Anthony said.

Close to 40 designers, both local and Caribbean have indicated their interest in participating in the fashion segment.

Several other activities on the agenda are yet to be finalized and these will be made public soon, Anthony said.

He has issued a call for children to participate in the celebrations whether in singing, dancing, poetry or other activities. Already children are involved in creating a mural at the Georgetown seawalls.

He is encouraging parents to get their children involved and indicate their participation at the CARIFESTA Secretariat before the end of the month.