When the curtains came down at Carifesta X1 in Paramaribo with fireworks, Suriname paved the way for preparations for the next Caribbean Festival of Arts to be held in Haiti in 2015.
At the closing ceremony, Surinamese President Desi Bouterse handed over the cultural baton, a wooden sculpture, to Haiti’s President, Michel Martelly who indicated that Haiti is ready to host Carifesta X11 and has already sought assistance from the Surinamese planning committee.
“I am extremely proud of this moment because this is the first in the history of Carifesta the responsibility of organising Carifesta is transferred from the hands of one Caricom President to those of another,” President Bouterse said.
At the start of his speech, the Surinamese Head of State expressed appreciation to the many artistes and entertainers who helped to make Carifesta X1 a success. He singled out Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Suriname’s DJ Chucky and Haiti’s Jean Wyclef.
The President added that during the week of activities which concluded Sunday night, patrons witnessed an exciting opening show and people shared their different cultures in dance, song, art, multi-media, theatre and even film. Importantly, the participation of the youths and children re-enforced the promises made for a better future.
“Our youth also have caught our attention for the need to build an environmental responsible community,” he noted. The President was referring to the Youth Village that was part of the event.
President Bouterse emphasised that moments like these make him proud to be the Head of State of the Carifesta host country. “The celebration of culture has indeed shown us who we are and what we have,” he highlighted. Further, the festival of arts is a reminder that nurturing culture is critical to development, he stated.
Haitian President Michel Martelly, Recording Artiste Wyclef Jean and Surinamese President Desi Bouterse sharing a moment at the close of Carifesta X1 in Paramaribo, Suriname. (Caricom photo)
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