The curtains came down on CARIFESTA XV on Sunday night with a spirited celebration of Caribbean unity, creativity, and cultural pride, as CARICOM’s Assistant Secretary-General for Human and Social Development, Alison Drayton, praised Barbados for its role as host.
In remarks delivered on behalf of CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, Drayton lauded the festival as “an exciting and rich creative experience at this premier regional showcase of Caribbean art and culture.”
“We are many islands, but one sea. Many voices, yet one harmony. Through art and culture, our spirit soars. Caribbean roots — forever, forever more,” she told the closing ceremony audience.
Highlighting the contributions of artists and cultural practitioners across the region, Drayton said: “Though small in size, our Caribbean is immense in creativity. We are a Region of many languages, rhythms and stories — and during this Festival, we have sung, danced, painted, acted, debated, and performed our truth for the world to see.”
She extended special thanks to the government and people of Barbados for their hospitality, saying: “The Community is deeply grateful for the warm hospitality of the Government and people of Barbados, and for the tremendous efforts of the host country in organising this Festival. On behalf of the Region, I congratulate and thank Prime Minister Mia Mottley, your Cabinet, and the hardworking Host Country Management Committee, for creating this excellent space where the theme ‘Caribbean Roots – Global Excellence’ came alive.”
Drayton also commended Ms. Carol Roberts and the host country team, including volunteers and technical staff, for ensuring the festival’s success. “Your commitment and cheerful spirit helped make CARIFESTA XV a resounding success—congratulations!” she said.
She emphasised the importance of culture as a driver of regional cooperation and development: “CARIFESTA remains one of the finest examples of our regional cooperation. Every performance, every exhibit, every culinary delight strengthened the bonds between our nations and reminded us that, while we come from different countries, we are one Caribbean family.”
Looking ahead, Drayton urged the region to invest further in culture and the creative industries. “Let us place culture at the centre of our development, invest in our artists, protect our heritage, and grow the creative industries that fuel both our economies and our identities,” she said.
The 10-day festival, which featured music, dance, literature, visual arts, cuisine, and regional symposia, drew participation from across the Caribbean. Drayton closed her remarks with a reminder of the memories left behind:
“It has been wonderful to share in the festivities together here in Barbados. As you return home, may you carry with you the memories, the rhythms — and perhaps just a little sand in your shoes, because that’s how you know you’ve truly been to CARIFESTA in Barbados!”
