At the halfway mark of CARIFESTA XV, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley says the festival is already delivering major dividends for Barbados, describing it as “a major economic catalyst”.
Speaking on Tuesday night at the CARIFESTA XV’s Caribbean Jazz and World Beat Super Concert at the Richard Stoute Amphitheatre in the National Botanical Gardens, Waterford, St Michael, Mottley said she was encouraged by the strong public turnout at events.
“The numbers that I’ve been seeing going to things, whether it’s the Grand Market or different events, have been very, very heartwarming,” she said. “Obviously, like with any event this size, there are always teething problems, but we’ve been able to manage them and give the public an opportunity to see the best of the Caribbean.”
The Prime Minister added that the festival’s broad range of activities, from theatre to fashion to culinary showcases, was designed to appeal to all.
“It’s like a menu, à la carte – you choose this, you choose that – because different people have different tastes. So that, I hope, will appeal to all sections of Barbados.”
She stressed that CARIFESTA XV was not just about entertainment but creating lasting benefits.
“People talk only about cost. They forget the part about benefit. In 1981, CARIFESTA unfolded a cultural explosion in Barbados. In this instance, we are going to see an explosion among our artists and creatives,” she said.
“We’ve tried to move it to a different level this time. Last time we had CARIFESTA here (in 2017), it was more modest. The
Grand Market was in Sherbourne Car Park and . . . in Sherbourne itself. We’ve tried to do things this time to be able to create more opportunities for everybody, from the craft vendors to the people in theatre, because you can’t talk about the Caribbean without understanding how we’re going to talk to move it.
“I believe that the team has done their best. I want to thank also the CARICOM “The BHTA [Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association] has said August is usually not a month that we see a lot of visitors, but they have been applauding CARIFESTA. The mere fact that we have so many people on island means they’re spending money where they’re staying, to eat, to move, to shop, to make new connections. This in and of itself is a major economic catalyst. But in everything in life, you have to spend to get.”
Mottley said Barbados must secure a legacy from hosting CARIFESTA.
“Look, you’re getting effectively in this area . . . an entertainment and sporting zone. From Tyrol Cot to the National Stadium to the Richard Stoute Amphitheatre to Combermere School to the new Netball Stadium that’s being built and for the badminton and other sports like that . . . to the CARIFESTA Festival Village which we will talk to the country about what will be the legacy there as we go forward.
“In Newton (Christ Church), you have the benefit of the monument that is being done to the slaves who were buried there at Newton Plantation . . . . all 570.”
She highlighted the new National Performing Arts Centre at Newton, which will be partially open today for the African production Mansa Musa, describing it as “the equivalent of going to Broadway, but from the bowels of Africa”.
“That centre, when completed, will be a major attribute to the country,” she said, adding that projects such as the Genealogical Research Centre and a planned museum to house Barbados’ extensive slave records will be part of the long-term cultural infrastructure.
“Regrettably, this was the country that the British chose to perfect the modern version of racism and the modern institution of slavery. It worked
against us. It took everything from us. We now have to turn it on its head and let it work for the descendants of the slaves who were exploited.”
Mottley said she has been enjoying the festival, from sampling doubles and saltfish to shopping at the Grand Market.
“If you haven’t gone to the Grand Market, go. I got earrings there, I got T-shirts, I got dresses and clothes. There’s something for everybody.”
She also embraced regional fashion, noting her support for designers from Barbados, Nigeria and across the Caribbean, wearing an outfit from one of them for the opening ceremony last Friday and also on Tuesday night.
The Prime Minister praised Barbadians for their hospitality throughout the festival.
“We will continue to welcome our guests and be the best version of ourselves,” she said. “That’s what happens when we bring people home. Individually, we are always the best version of ourselves.”
As CARIFESTA XV enters its final days, Mottley said she was “a little sad it’s already halfway over” but pledged that Barbados would continue giving of its best.
“There is a reason why we have the highest repeat visitor factor in the region. Once we can continue to give of our best, and see what others have to offer us, it’s amazing.”
CARIFESTA XV, which kicked off last week Friday with the parade and opening ceremony, continues with theatre, dance, fashion and music events, such as the two Super Concerts tomorrow and Saturday, culminating in a grand closing showcase on Sunday. (NS)
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