Auditions begin today for Carifesta delegation members

Three days of auditions are to begin today to determine part of the country’s Carifesta XI delegation that will be travelling to Suriname in August.

“Guyana will be well represented and the performances are expected to be of a high standard,” Special Project Officer Lennox Canterbury told Stabroek News on Tuesday.

Canterbury said that the government will be sending a delegation of 50 persons, which will include persons who would have auditioned and persons selected by a special committee consisting of experts from various fields.

He added that if persons are desirous and they have the quality products, the ministry will be assisting these persons to go to Carifesta XI.

“The person doesn’t have to be someone the government is funding, they will not be assisted financially, but they will have help with registration,” he explained. Several members of the media will also be transported by the Ministry of Culture to Suriname.

Some of the areas that the Guyana delegation will be showcasing are visual arts, literary arts, culinary arts, craft, fashion and the performing arts.

Carifesta XI, slated for August 16 to August 25, is expected to be the celebration of Caribbean culture and diversity and promoting the central role of culture in economic, social and human development.

Auditions are scheduled to be held at the Carifesta Sports Complex from 10am to 6pm from today to Sunday.  Submissions must be made to and additional information can be obtained from the Special Projects Officer, Department of Culture (Mash Secretariat), 91 Middle Street on telephone number 592-226-4764.  Guyana hosted Carifesta X by default in 2008, after Bahamas had indicated their inability to host the event.