| By Desilon DanielsThe Government of Guyana has committed $65M to the Guyana delegation slated to represent the nation during the upcoming CARIFESTA XII in Haiti.CARIFESTA officials ready to go! (From left) Ohene Koama, Seeta Shah Roath, Minister Nicolette Henry, Lennox Canterbury, Roshini Boodhoo, and Al CreightonCome August 21, 80 Guyanese will make their way to Haiti where they hope to wow the rest of the Caribbean during the regional festival. This year’s CARIFESTA (Caribbean Festival of Arts) will run until August 30.During a press conference yesterday, a number of local officials briefed the media on what Guyana will be exhibiting in about two weeks.It was during this press conference that Minister within the Ministry of Education Nicolette Henry revealed that not only was there a $65M budget for Guyana’s excursion but that this figure will be provided solely by the Government of Guyana.She explained that this budget will cover travel expenses to and around Haiti, accommodation and materials for the entire delegation.Minister Henry stressed that the budget was a necessary one for the promotion of culture in Guyana.“Culture is said to be the oil that keeps society running. It’s very important that we understand the role of culture in development, because through culture you get a better understanding of tradition, and it allows us to showcase what we have,” Henry said.She continued, “So you can’t be looking in terms of dollar value; it is the more intangible that contributes to development.”She added that Guyana has a rich legacy to upkeep in regards to CARIFESTA.The chartering of flights and payment for block seats arrangement also ran up the costs.This year’s CARIFESTA, the twelfth edition, will see wide participation by Guyana.The majority of the delegates heading to Haiti were made up of the drama, dance and music crews.In terms of the visual arts component, Guyana has submitted 27 entries. These entries span paintings, drawings, and sculptures and will feature newcomers along with mature artists who have already exhibited at such a high level. Additionally,Cheap Stitched Jerseys, the pieces are on display at Castellani House until Monday.According to Ohene Koama, Acting Curator of the National Gallery, 27 pieces might be considered a small number to some persons but, due to the sizes of the pieces, it is actually an adequate collection to occupy the required space. He added that they are still unsure of the exact space that will be used for the exhibition in Haiti and therefore would rather be safe than sorry.Furthermore, dance will continue to be a main showcase for Guyana at CARIFESTA. Roshini Boodhoo, who is one of the coordinators for the dance component,China NFL Jerseys, explained that a number of local choreographers are on board including Vivian Daniels and Clive Prowell.“We ensure that the categories and styles of dance that we chose will best represent our culture here in Guyana,” she added.She further explained that, in order to achieve “perfection”, auditions were open to the general public instead of the usual hand selection of dancers. The selected dancers were required to know at least two styles of dance. The dance component will be executed under the theme, “Legends and rhythms of Guyana – a colourful dancescape” and Boodhoo expressed hope that Guyana’s rich cultural heritage would be explored through the theme.Furthermore, as part of the production in Haiti, there will be a “Guyana Night” performance. The CARIFESTA theme is under the general concept of embracing one’s roots along with a common future. With that theme in mind,jerseys from china, the Guyana delegation came up with its own theme, “rice and rhythms of Guyana”.The participants in the performing arts will explore Guyana’s heritage through Guyanese folklore, legends and myths and express “rice and rhythms” through music, song, dance and drama. The entire programme will be linked through a musical theme. Additionally, masquerading and drums are expected to make an appearance to add spice to Guyana’s performance.All aspects of Guyanese culture,Cheap China Jerseys, whether it is Indian,cheap nfl jerseys online, African or otherwise, will be on display.Meanwhile, this year will see the addition of new components. The Guyana delegation will be expanding and will include body art this time around. The art will be created Steve Douglas, founder of Bravo Arts, and will also cover theatre makeup. Douglas will be hosting a body-painting exhibition, conducting a face-painting workshop, holding an interaction booth, and assisting with face-painting designs for the Guyanese contingency.Additionally, fashion will also be one of the areas Guyana exhibits in this year and will include designs by well known designers such as Randy Madray, Mwanza Glen and Andrea Braithwaite.However, Guyana’s exhibition will not only be a song and dance affair. Symposiums are scheduled to be held and during these the Guyanese delegation will be given the opportunity to discuss issues affecting not only this nation, but others throughout the Caribbean. Along with the sharing of problems, the fora will also see the sharing of ideas and solutions to the raised issues.Guyana has a big legacy to live up to; this nation is the first to host CARIFESTA in 1972 and hosted again in 2008. Guyana has also participated in all of the previous festivals and has been one of the frontrunners in participating in all disciplines. Henry stressed that Guyana will continue to strive to do this in the upcoming festival.Meanwhile, the Guyanese public can get a sneak peek into what will be presented in Haiti on August 16,Wholesale Jerseys China, when a free showing will be made available. This show will commence at 20:00hrs (8:00pm) at the Theatre Guild. |
