A total of 50 students with aspirations to build careers within the creative industries have been selected for the honor of representing Saint Lucia at the 15th edition of the Caribbean Festival of the Arts, Carifesta to form part of the event's youth village.

Hosted in Barbados from August 22 to 31, this year's execution of the event invites artistic works expected to embody the theme Caribbean Roots Global Excellence while addressing challenges of sustainability, resilience and peace building.

Speaking at a practice session for Team Saint Lucia, Kentilia Louis, Curriculum Officer for Theatre Arts in the Curriculum and Materials Development Unit (CAMDU), notes participants were selected from multiple disciplines and schools island-wide.

“We have students in music and singing, in terms of visual arts, especially film. We have theatre arts students, dance students and drama students all coming together. We've been at rehearsals for the whole week just making sure that we perfect our performances because once we get there we want to make sure our students give their best—and we have students from all across the country because we made a special effort to ensure that as many schools as possible can be represented,” she said.

Louis added that participation in Carifesta has been proven to have a profound impact on the professional development of youth in the performing arts.

“You get to see not just other students but you get to see what the professionals or the icons around the region think and do. There are conversations that you get to listen to, panel discussions you get to be a part of and of course you get to see each country performing all of the various art forms and it is an experience that you do not forget.”

Ground transportation, accommodation and meals for all participants will be provided by the Government of Barbados. The Government of Saint Lucia through the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports provided the airfare.

“Of course will have our branded uniforms as well as the materials that we need for the performances. Everything will be provided by Government of Saint Lucia as part of its investment in the next generation of creatives,” Louis said.

The student contingent departs for the 10-day festival on Wednesday as proud ambassadors of Saint Lucia's culture and talent.