Saint Lucia delegation showcases the best of Fair Helen
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
by Stan Bishop
REHEARSALS CONTINUE DAILY FOR THE PRODUCTIONS BEING STAGED BY THE SAINT LUCIAN TALENT AT CARIFESTA.

CARIFESTA XIV got off to a festive start last Friday in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, with participants from more than 20 countries parading almost halfway around the Queen’s Park, Savannah, deemed the largest roundabout in the world.

Saint Lucia joined delegates from countries within the region in the parade, numbering around 80, with designer Christine Samuel being the flag bearer. The Saint Lucian delegation included cast members of the theatrical productions “A Little Folk Tale”, “Belelesh” and “Silent Scars”, poets, writers, band members, art and craft vendors, and the media.

During the opening ceremony, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister for Community Development, Culture and the Arts, Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, welcomed delegates and patrons. She said the twin-island republic’s preparations to host this year’s event aimed to elevate the region’s foremost cultural arts festival. Dr. Gadsby-Dolly also noted that CARIFESTA serves as a vehicle to foster greater cohesion within the region.

Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, thanked the CARICOM Secretariat and all other agencies and individuals for their support toward making Trinidad and Tobago’s fourth hosting of the festival a reality. He noted that the festival is essential in validating the need for one people, one space.

Rehearsals continue daily for the various productions being staged by the Saint Lucian talent at CARIFESTA, including “A Little Folk Tale” (written by Monique Auguste and Jessie Mayers and directed by Drenia Frederick), and “Silent Scars” (written and directed by Hayden Forde).

Minister with responsibility for Culture and the Creative Industries, Fortuna Belrose, who was also in Trinidad and Tobago for CARIFESTA XIV, has been visiting cast members at rehearsals. Also joining the delegation is Executive Director of the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF), Ramona Henry-Wynne.