CARIFESTA GOES HOME — Come leh we go

A very important event occurred in Guyana recently. It was the official ceremony for the launching of CARIFESTA X, an event that could change the course of the country’s history for a second time, and herald the beginning of a new cultural era.

In my previous writings, I ranted about the lack of cultural awareness at home in Guyana and here in the Diaspora. Though I suspected that my repeated calls for a cultural revival would fall on more than a few deaf ears, it seems as though some supreme being was listening. For low and behold, one of the most important cultural events to have ever occurred within the boundaries of the Caribbean, CARIFESTA, has arrived again in Guyana.

It has taken thirty six years, but CARIFESTA, a festival born in Guyana and the brainchild of the late Prime Minister Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, has returned home. The festival, which is slated for August 22 to 31, was recently launched under the theme ‘One Caribbean, One Purpose, Our Culture, Our Life’ amid a splendid ceremony in the vicinity of the Cenotaph in Georgetown.

The inaugural CARIFESTA (1972) was hosted in Georgetown and was intended to celebrate as well as showcase the Caribbean’s immense talents in all aspects of the arts, including literature, drama, music, visual arts (including photography), culinary arts and dance. Participants from around the Caribbean, South America and even parts of Latin America streamed into the city to partake in the events. Spearheaded by prominent local artists like the legendary Martin Carter and his comrade Ivan "Farro" Forrester, the festival heralded a new beginning for Guyanese cultural expression, as they, along with compatriots from around the region, showed the world where real talent lay.

There were book exhibitions, art displays, theatrical performances, dance recitals, culinary shows and a host of other activities around the country as Guyana opened its doors to the world. Among the publications that followed were the legendary ‘Kaei,’ various literary pieces from the festival compiled in a magazine and ‘A Voice from Cuffy’s Grave,’ a collection of poems penned by "Farro" which put a literary spin on many of Guyana’s then untouched interior treasures. Additionally, the poems sought to convey a message of freedom and liberation. After all, Guyana had just become a republic and its citizens, (particularly those gifted with the art of word) were eager to demonstrate their uncanny ability to defy the odds and achieve success, vast success, without the aid of a major colonial power. They intended to not only make Carifesta ’72 a success, but to leave an indelible mark on history. One that would not be erased by years of political and even racial turmoil, one that would endure the fallacies of two unsteady administrations, outlive at least three Presidents and become ten times stronger.

And they achieved resounding success. Together our fathers and grandfathers forged a legacy which cannot be taken away. They had a vision of seeing Caribbean arts delivered to the world in their entire splendor. The torch has been passed and we now have the honor of carrying that legacy to the next level.

Thirty-six years later that vision has been reclaimed and given a new face. It now wears the face of youth. With the recent launching of Carifesta X, again in Georgetown, the country again prepares to embrace a cultural identity it unveiled to the world in 1972. Only this time, the distinct faces of youth are at the forefront of the movement. The opening ceremony for this year’s spectacular event is billed to include a dance by the National School of Dance (itself a product of Carifesta ‘72), consisting of 1000 dancers, mainly young people. Requests for volunteers have been answered by scores of youths in Guyana, willing to give their time and services in the name of patriotism. Though most of these young men and women might be too young to recall the events of 1972, they are definitely eager to make their contribution to Carifesta X in 2008.

In fact, a special feature of this year’s festival is a new phenomenon known as "Edutainment." This merger of education and entertainment is rapidly emerging as a leading vehicle with which to address social issues, such as HIV/AIDS awareness, teenage pregnancy and substance abuse as well as to discuss matters of cultural and political importance with other apathetic youths.

This form of communication is being used to sensitize the younger generations of the population about such socio-cultural issues in an effective manner. The method seeks to instill certain attitudes which may be more conducive to learning through discussion and involvement. In this way, the local organizers are confident that younger sections of society will be more interested in participating in Carifesta.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of CARIFESTA X, Mr. Nigel Dharamlall, the program has already had a significant response as the secretariat has received a record number of young volunteers for the event.

Guyanese in New York are definitely excited about the festival. So much so that travel agencies are being flooded with passenger requests for flights on those precious days in August. Those fortunate enough to have been in Georgetown for CARIFESTA ’72 are eager to relive the excitement while the younger folks can’t wait to create some of their own. Every day, stories from CARIFESTA ’72 can be heard in several Guyanese owned restaurants and shops. Everyone has a relative or friend with plans to go to Guyana for CARIFESTA. The message is clear; Guyanese are once again ready to show the world what we are made of.

There have been nine productions of CARIFESTA, eight of which have been hosted in other countries. Guyana’s hosting of the event in 1972, was followed by Jamaica in 1976, Cuba in 1979, Barbados 1981, Trinidad & Tobago in 1992, 1995, and 2006 St Kitts & Nevis 2000 and Suriname in 2003, according to the CARIFESTA X Secretariat.

To those in the Diaspora, this is your chance. Show the other Caribbean immigrants that Guyanese too, are very patriotic. Guyana beckons with open arms and smiling faces. CARIFESTA has come home and so should you…

The CARIFESTA New York Committee is being headed by Mr. Malcolm Hall and additional information on participation is available at:

http://www.guyfolkfest.org/carifestax2008.htm.

Responses to the writer can be sent to timi_55@hotmail.com or left at www.guyanawatch.blogspot.com.