THE 10th Caribbean Festival of Creative Arts (CARIFESTA X) was launched in Berbice yesterday, at Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) Hall, Vryman’s Erven, New Amsterdam.

The introductory programme was chaired by the Chairman of the Special Events Committee, Mr. Faizal Jaffarally.

Rain delayed the scheduled 11:00 h start but the turnout was better than at other regional gatherings, according to Chief Executive Officer of the CARIFESTA Secretariat, Mr. Nigel Dharamlall.

He gave an update on progress for the return of CARIFESTA to Guyana, after 36 years, to the audience including administrators, educators, students and expected participants.

Dharamlall said the August 22 to 31 mega event would attract people from about 40 different countries.

The gathering was shown the performance by chutney dancing sensation Sandella and entertainers mimicking the CARIFESTA logo, at the opening ceremony in front of the Bank of Guyana last April 23.

Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) is one of six regions which will host events, the others being Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Ten.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, said to residents of the ‘Ancient County’ he envisages the August happenings to be memorable, with people speaking about them for generations to come.

He said Berbicians should consider themselves fortunate, as all the regions are not hosting events during the period.

Anthony said CARIFESTA will showcase some 100 cultural events that will include ‘edutainment’, culinary, literacy and visual arts, super concerts and gospel, qaseeda and bhajan singing among other things.

He said planning at the regional level is vital as it will determine the ability of administrators to effectively manage and identify appropriate events.

In that regard, Anthony endorsed the establishment of a regional planning committee that would support the ministry’s and the secretariat’s efforts to ensure that hosting the festival in the regions is accomplished successfully.

“We have less than 90 days to go,” he reminded, adding that the benefits to accrue to Berbicians will present an opportunity for the county to be marketed and encourage visitors to return.

“There will be a lot of economic opportunities, hotel accommodation and transportation, among others,” Anthony noted.

He said Suriname, with its 250-member contingent, along with another from French Guiana, will be passing through Berbice, which should show off its talent first.

“You have the opportunity to coordinate, manage and step up as good hosts,” Anthony advised.

He acknowledged the region’s capabilities to participate in the festival, as many talented performers reside there, including renowned sculptor Phillip Moore.

Chairman of Region Six, Mr. Zulficar Mustapha, pledged the full support of the Regional Administration and admonished the residents to leave out politics, race and religion and unite as one people, with one nation and one destiny for the upcoming occasion.

The venues earmarked in Berbice include New Amsterdam Town Hall, Esplanade Fun Park, Albion Sports Complex, Skeldon Community Centre Ground, and Blairmont Sports Ground.