Directors of Culture across the Caribbean Community have been informed by Daryll Matthew, Minister of Sports, Culture, National Festivals, and the Arts, Antigua and Barbuda, of a decision to postpone the hosting of the Region’s premiere cultural festival, the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA XV) from August 2021 to August 2022.
A release from CARICOM yesterday said that they were informed during a virtual meeting of the Regional Cultural Committee, which comprises Directors of Culture from the twenty Member States and Associate Members of CARICOM and Members of the Interim Festival Directorate for CARIFESTA.
“I have been having discussions with our international partners, our cultural stakeholders, our Management team and the Chairman of the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, as they relate to the CARIFESTA XV and the potential challenges to hosting the event. The recommendation coming out of these discussions was as heart-breaking as it was unanimous. So today, while reaffirming the commitment of the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda to hosting CARIFESTA XV, I must advise you all that we have formally written to Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque on our decision to postpone CARIFESTA XV for a period of one year”, Matthew announced.
He also updated the meeting that preparations had already commenced in earnest with the establishment of the CARIFESTA Secretariat and a Host Country Management Committee that had been carrying out their mandate with “enthusiasm, zeal and purpose.”
In replying to the Minister’s announcement, the release said that Assistant Secretary General in charge of Human and Social Development at the CARICOM Secretariat Dr. Douglas Slater, expressed the appreciation of CARICOM for Antigua and Barbuda’s enthusiasm and commitment to hosting CARIFESTA XV and support for the decision to postpone the Festival.
“We understand your decision, we share your concerns and we pledge our full support towards a successful CARIFESTA XV,” Dr. Slater said.
