Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony yesterday handed out $500,000 cheques to two of the winners in the Carifesta X logo, theme and song competition.

The winners were Keith Bernard who compiled the winning logo and Stanton Seepersaud who crafted the theme “One Caribbean, One Purpose, Our Culture, Our Life”.

The Government Information Agency (GINA) in a press release said that the cheque for the winning song will soon be handed over as the song is now being modified and enhanced.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Keith Booker, Logistics Officer at the Carifesta Secretariat Linden Ross and Mashramani Coordinator Lennox Canterbury were also present at the handing over ceremony held in the minister’s office.

The release added that Anthony said the logo and theme “amply reflect the spirit of the festival” which was evidenced by the public comments about its symbolism. He added that the symbols will be used to brand Carifesta.

The minister expressed optimism about Guyana successfully hosting the event, especially with the daily forthcoming support from the region and the Diaspora

The competition was launched by the ministry through the Carifesta Secretariat as part of early preparations for the mega event.

The competition required that the theme be not more than 12 words accompanied by a brief explanation and reflective of the spirit of the festival, while the song required originality, the release said.

The winning entries will be used on all official CARIFESTA X documents, programmes and merchandise.

The winning logo and theme were revealed at the launching of the festival on October 12 at Le Meridien Pegasus at which Caricom Secretary-General Edwin Carrington and Caricom heads were present.

This launching was held during the conclusion of the 16th Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD XV1).

An estimated 100 cultural events will be showcased in Guyana by more than 35 territories within the Caribbean region during the festival.

According to the release, the festival which will be held during the period August 22 to 31, next year will feature a calendar of events in the visual, literary, performing and culinary arts, community festivals, fashion focus, grand market and symposia on youth and indigenous people.