Carifesta XI Starts With Dazzling Show

PARAMARIBO, Suriname CMC – With a dazzling display of colors and laser projections of the participating country’s flags on the Presidential Palace as backdrop, Suriname staged a spectacular opening of the eleventh Caribbean Festival of Arts and Culture (Carifesta XI) Friday evening.

The Independence Square in the capital of Paramaribo was transformed into an outdoor theater seating around 7.000 spectators while several thousand others watched the opening ceremony on widescreens which were erected at several locations in the capital.

“Culture is an important cornerstone of a healthy society. Taking into account the economic and social factors only without paying attention to the culture perspectives will not be sustainable for development on the long term”, said Suriname’s president Desi Bouterse in his address .

The Surinamese leader further noticed that “as cultural expression forces respect and understanding between individuals and groups with different identities, it helps to resolve and prevent conflicts and consequently enhances collaboration in our relationships”.

According to Caricom’s secretary general Irwin Larocque “a special and unique celebration of Caribbean culture begins here and now with the opening ceremony of this eleventh commemoration of Carifesta”. He said attendants came from all over the Caribbean, Asia, Europe and Latin America to experience “this magical evening” and the festivities during the next days. “Carifesta is loved by all of us, because culture is our passion”.

Giving praise to regional culture ambassadors he noted that Caribbean nationals are passionate and take great pride in “our many accomplished and renowned artists, musicians, writers and dancers who proclaim the Caribbean and inspire the global imagination”.  During the festivities locals and visitors alike according to the secretary-general will take the opportunity to explore the business of culture and the way in which the development of a cultural and creative industry can help to realize prosperity.

For the next coming days internationally acclaimed Caribbean performers including jazz singer Denise Jannah and flutist Ronald Snijders from Suriname, Wycleff Jean and Tabou Combo from Haiti, Barbara Cadet Quintet from St. Lucia and No-Maddz from Jamaica and others  are scheduled to perform live on stage.

Besides delegations from Caricom member states, guest performers from China, Indonesia, India, Mexico, Curacao, Bonaire, French-Guiana, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Venezuela, Cuba, Columbia, South Korea and Argentina will participate in Carifesta XI. So far the only Caricom leader to confirm his attendance is Haitian President Michel Martelly .