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.”
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| 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.
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