Plans for CARIFESTA X in Berbice heat up

Aug 18, 2008 News

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NEW AMSTERDAM, BERBICE – With only a few days left to the opening of Carifesta, the Region Six CARIFESTA X Committee has intensified plans for celebrations in East Berbice /Corentyne.

Chairman of the local committee, Faizal Jaffarally, says that the events are expected to take off in the Ancient County on August 23rd.

Delegations from various CARICOM States are expected to perform, between August 23rd and 30th, across East Berbice at venues such as the New Amsterdam Town Hall, the Tain Campus of the University of Guyana, and the Skeldon High School.

On August 23rd, the contingent from the Cayman Islands will host its dramatic production ‘One Black, One White’.

On August 24th, the Trinidadians are doing their play called, ‘Rama Leela’.
Guyana goes on stage on August 25th with the children’s play ‘Maccorian Man’.
The following day, the Antiguans would thrill persons with their production — ‘My Birth Right’.

The Jamaicans, on August 27th, would perform ‘Love Gain’. The next day, host country Guyana returns with the ‘Myths and Legends.’

On August 28th, the activity would be done by the delegation from the Bahamas. They are to perform the ‘Children’s Truth’.

August 29th is considered CARIFESTA X Day in Berbice. On that day, a number of countries, including Montserrat, Cayenne, The Dominican Republic, St. Kitts, England and Suriname, are expected to come together in a cultural explosion.

In addition, leading calypsonians and chutney singers from the Caribbean are to be on stage. Several local cultural groups which were selected during the CARIFESTA Talent Search are also expected to be on show.
Mr. Jaffarally pointed out that the CARIFESTA Committee in Region Six would assist in funding the necessary costumes for local groups performing on that day.

A cycle race is also scheduled for August 29th. Beginning in New Amsterdam, the cyclists will make their way to Hogstye, then return to the Albion Sports Complex, where the trek ends.

Later in the day, the visual arts and book exhibition will be staged. This activity is expected to highlight some of the local writers and craft producers from Berbice.

This leg of things is coordinated by the Region Six Education Officer Shafiran Bhajan, who is also a member of the CARIFESTA X Committee.

 On that same day there would be the Youth Village. This is where the young persons are to meet and discuss topics and issues, such as career guidance, sexually transmitted diseases, parent/child relationship and youth development.

Mr. Jaffarally is calling on persons to ensure that they secure tickets for the event on August 29th, since it is only by having tickets that persons can gain entry to the venue — the Albion Community Centre.

These tickets would be on distribution by this Wednesday at centres across Region Six, such as the National Communications Network Berbice office, A. Ally and Sons, and the Region Six Democratic Council Office in New Amsterdam, Poonai’s Pharmacy at Rose Hall Town, the GuySuCo Albion Estate, Jean Singh’s Store at Corriverton, and all Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and Municipalities.

On Saturday, Chairman of the local committee, Faizal Jaffarally, visited the Albion Sports Complex to inspect work in progress.

There, workmen are re-painting the main pavilion, the school boys’ stand, the commentators’ booth, the perimeter of the ground, the four bridges leading to the sports complex, the hall and main entrance to the ground.

He said that the washroom facilities are to be spruced-up, as well as the ticket booth. Construction of the main stage and booths are in progress.

According to Mr. Jaffarally, some sections of the Corentyne highway have already been decked out with the nation flag, “We have started to spruce up the county. Already the national flag has been attached to scores of lantern posts. It gives the feeling of patriotism and sends the message that CARIFESTA is in the air.”

In addition to the cultural activities that would be hosted between August 23rd and 30th, there would be games and fun rides for the children, along with West Indian and local culinary delights.

Starting Monday, there will be live television programmes held on the National Communications Network Channel 15 in Berbice highlighting activities for CARIFESTA.

Jaffarally is appealing to members of the municipalities, Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, and business entities to join in the clean-up campaign around East Berbice /Corentyne.

Meanwhile, the 50 regional volunteers who are expected to perform different roles are already in position. Mr. Jaffarally was loud in praise for the support he has been receiving from the Region Six Chairman and the Coordinator of Community Festival from the main CARIFESTA body, Captain Rampersaud.

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