WITH LAST Wednesday evening’s spectacular official launch at Cenotaph Square of arrangements for Guyana’s hosting of the 10th Carifesta, all systems are now in readiness to push ahead for what promises to be a most exciting and rewarding “homecoming” for this premier regional cultural event, first inaugurated in this nation 36 years ago.

The politicking of the main opposition PNCR had, as expected, NO impact on the well-organised launch of Carifesta X. The members of the standing Regional Cultural Council (RCC) who witnessed the event, following their 19th Meeting earlier in the day at the Community Secretariat, would have been quite encouraged and inspired for the staging of a very successful 11-day Festival from August 22-31.

Assistant Secretary General for Foreign and Community Relations, ambassador Colin Granderson, in addressing the ceremonial opening, said: “We are quite pleased that the Guyana Government offered to host Carifesta X and for taking on the mammoth task of organizing the Festival in just one year…

“I take this opportunity to wish Guyana, as host country, every success as it prepares for Carifesta X, and to pledge the continued support of the CARICOM Secretariat…This evening we rejoice in our ‘one-ness’ in keeping with the theme of this launch (’One Caribbean, One Purpose–Our Culture, Our Life”)…”

The Community’s Assistant Secretary General for Human and Social Development, Edward Greene, had earlier told the RCC meeting on preparations for the Festival: “We can all view this as the ‘homecoming’ for Carifesta, returning after some 36 years, to its birthplace. We expect Carifesta X to be no less inspirational and enjoyable as the first Carifesta, of which event many among us have fond memories…”

For his part, President Bharrat Jagdeo, who had committed Guyana to hosting the Festival after The Bahamas regretted its failure in 2007 to proceed with arrangements, gave the firm assurance, when he addressed the audience of thousands at the launching ceremony, that Guyana “is a safe place for Carifesta” and his administration was resolved to “leave no stone unturned” in ensuring a safe and secure” environment…”

It may have been the Head of State’s way of reminding those in our midst who seek to engage in cheap, divisive politicking, that the resources and commitment required to stage a successful Carifesta in August, offers Guyana “the opportunity”, as he said, “of transcending those things that can blind, limit and divide us as a people, as nations of One Region..”

Therefore, for the leader of the PNCR, Robert Corbin, to chase after cheap publicity with his anti-government marches under the pretence of fighting for press freedom, as he threatens to disrupt arrangements for Carifesta X, is a sick joke. It is one that reveals the intellectual bankruptcy of that party from which so many of its better known officials and activists felt compelled to walk away with the outcome of its last congress.

For all the political opportunism associated with the politics of Forbes Burnham, the late PNC leader who hosted the First Carifesta, must be turning in his grave at the sight of Robert Corbin exploiting the suspension of CNS Channel 6 licence to create uncertainties about arrangements for Carifesta X.

The PNCR leader seems to be deluding himself by his current excitement with self-serving organised marches. Is he aware of the extent of nation-wide involvement in the arrangements for this great cultural extravaganza? Also, of the disappointment and hurt that could come to the talented, creative and committed Guyanese–not to mention their cousins in other Caribbean states–eagerly looking forward to the Festival?

The Festival is on track and, we have no doubt, it will so remain as hands are joined across this nation and across the seas with Caribbean governments, brothers and sisters to make August 2008 the memorable occasion it WILL prove to be—36 years after it first took place in Guyana.