$2,000 coin to be minted
Despite the three recent massacres here, no negative feedback has come from overseas groups scheduled to attend CARIFESTA X in August and Culture Minister Frank Anthony says work is proceeding rapidly on many fronts.
Speaking at a press conference at the CARIFESTA head office yesterday, the minister said that instead of negativity they have had to “curb the enthusiasm” coming from the contingents that are scheduled to participate in CARIFESTA.
He also said that intense efforts are being made with regard to security for the event. Besides a committee headed by Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee and including heads of the army and police and other high ranking security officials, there is a group within the CARIFESTA secretariat that is also focused on security for the event.
Minister Anthony related that an ‘integration workshop’ was held two days ago where the groups met to merge their ideas, and find solutions to fill in the “loopholes.”
Anthony updated the media on the various ongoing and finished preparations to host the event and assured that work is moving apace at all the major venues.
He said that the east and west stands in the National Park are about 87% complete in terms of cleaning, painting and roof repairs while the addition of a new sanitary block is 45% complete.
The resurfacing of the tarmac will start in mid-July and lighting systems will be added along with 70-ft towers. Over at the National Gymnasium where the visual arts centre is to be set up, the lighting system is to be changed soon and similar works will be done at the Sports Hall.
The newly-installed lighting system at the National Stadium at Providence will be commissioned in two weeks, Anthony said. He added that the system has its own generator and so is not solely dependent on GPL.
At the Sophia Exhibition Centre, another major venue for CARIFESTA, preparations are moving along smoothly, the minister said. Creation of the Amerindian village is going well, cleaning is almost finished and the construction of an auditorium is already completed.
Accommodation
In terms of accommodation for persons coming into Guyana, 52 hotels and guesthouses with a total of some 3,159 beds are available; fourteen countries have already booked 1,190 of these beds. Other delegations are expected to make their bookings shortly.
Anthony said that plans are being made to ensure hassle free entry into Guyana for CARIFESTA and persons are to receive special training in this regard.
As the host country Guyana is expected to provide transportation for all contingents when they arrive for the mega event.
A number of vehicles were selected after an inspection was carried out recently. Those selected are still to be sent letters verifying their selection. However, training of the chosen drivers will be done in early August, with assistance from the police force.
In relation to health, the minister said that special teams will be set up at the major venues with ambulances on standby to deal with any emergencies.
He added that the Health Ministry has planned to have an “epidemic surveillance unit” in place to scan persons coming into the country. Training and certification of food handlers will also be done by this ministry.
In terms of the performing arts, 800 persons are being trained and will be divided into 12 companies for specific stage productions. Twelve persons have already been identified to be trained as masters/mistresses of ceremony while space exists for an additional 18 persons. Individuals who are interested are asked to make contact with the secretariat. A Guyanese music night is also being coordinated.
As part of mementoes for the occasion, a CARIFESTA recipe book will be published, a coin valued at $2000 will be minted and t-shirts and flags will be available shortly. Stamps will also be printed in time for the event, said Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Keith Booker.
Speaking about the damage done to the Cultural Centre in the recent attack, the minister said that replacements for the damaged curtains have already been ordered and steps are being taken to replace damaged equipment. (Melissa Charles)
