News

The delegation representing Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at the 2017 Caribbean Festival of Arts (Carifesta), is already making an impact at the regional arts festival.

Mr. Marlon Joseph, Hospitality Officer at the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, and a member of the local delegation, said that his organisation took the opportunity to make a presence at Carifesta, as the event attracts many from the region, which is one of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ largest tourism market.

He also said that the primary goal of the Authority is to promote Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as a tourism destination. So far, according to Mr. Joseph, the response to the booth has been fabulous.

The private sector is also represented by 12 members of the Small Business Operators. Their participation was co-ordinated by the Centre for Enterprise Development (CED).

The delegation has representatives in different categories: two in agr-processed goods (gourmet section), two in the craft section, six in the country booth, showcasing health and wellness, along with jewellery and fashion. Local designers Odini Sutherland, creator of the Peta odini line, and Kimon Baptiste-St. Rose, Kimmysticclo, are also representing this country through Caribbean Export.

The designers are part of 41 regional designers showcasing their creations at Carifesta 2017. Their designs were on display at one of the daily fashion shows held on Sunday 20th August. Both were well received.

CED’s training co-ordinator, Ms. Keisha Phillips said that, since the opening of the Grand market on Saturday 19th August, at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC), there has been a steady flow of Barbadians and visitors. She further stated that the local booths have had a steady flow of visitors, and she is very happy with the support.

Tthe local dance troop gave a wonderful performance on Saturday evening at the Christ Church Foundation School. The second scheduled performance was postponed to accommodate the opening ceremony, which was rescheduled from Friday 18th August, to Sunday 20th August, due to the passage of Tropical Storm Harvey.

The local delegation gave a stunning performance at country night, held on the grounds of the LESC. The show featured cultural dance performance, as well as soca artists and cultural ambassadors Rondy “Luta” Mc Intosh, Gamal “Skinn Fabulous” Doyle, Hance John, Lornette “Fya Empress” Nedd, reigning Calypso Monarch, Jamarie “L Pank” Stapleton and Zamfir “Man Zangie” Adams.

SOURCE: API