EDITORIAL - Carifesta a model for regional unity

The staging of Carifesta XIII is expected to be a huge fillip for the country. Already on the path to developing cultural industries, Barbados plays host to hundreds of visiting artistes, exhibitors and delegates from the region to share in Caribbean artistry on many levels. Prior to its official start today, Barbados was declared ready by Minister of Culture, Stephen Lashley, who noted that all venues, security and other arrangements were in place.

The arts are an important avenue for growth, cultural maturity and – if popular enough – economic activity. Yet, despite the many strides made over the years, there are not enough consistent showcases of Caribbean talent, nor does the public know as much about our regional brothers and sisters as we should. Over the years, regional entertainment has had several expressions, most of them short-lived. There were a few Calypso Monarch of the World competitions, the Caribbean Song Contest (which Barbados won in 1992 and 1995), and various shows featuring Caribbean comedic talent, though perhaps monetary or other issues hastened their demise.

Informal regional unity takes place through sport, whether cricket or athletics, and entertainment – from music to travelling around to the various festivals. Regionalisation started politically in the pre-Independence era, when countries banded together briefly for the West Indies Federation. Though CARICOM became an entity in the aftermath, divisions, political grandstanding and some xenophobia have not helped its acceptance throughout the region. The reluctance of some states to sign on to the Caribbean Court of Justice is also telling. Indeed, crime, drugs, immigration and border disputes have perhaps been played out more in the media and the public and heighten tensions among countries.

One hopes that Carifesta celebrations spark a renewed interest in learning about the Caribbean and appreciating its talent, instead of focusing on the petty differences between us. For a small area, we have produced notable, world-class personalities, Nobel laureates, and famous entertainers who acknowledge and recognise their home as one of the best. Before his retirement, Usain Bolt trained in Jamaica, despite having the opportunity to go elsewhere because of his superstar status; Rihanna’s appearance at Crop Over is always sure to garner international attentions, just like her Instagram post in costume gained 4.5 million likes to date; and though Bob Marley is deceased, his artistic legacy lives on. Calypso, soca and steelpan – the only instrument created in the 20th century – came out of Trinidad and Tobago. These cultural artefacts have gone on to shape the islands and the Diaspora in ways that could never have been imagined when they were first invented. Cricketing legends from this region have influenced the game and inspired legions of fans around the world.

Despite our relative small size, the Caribbean stands on par with other major countries in terms of innovation and resourcefulness. All that is left is for us to believe in ourselves and our talents in the same ways we hold others on a high pedestal. It is hoped that those attending the events over the course of Carifesta XIII not only learn more about our neighbours, but are energised by various cultural displays and infused with new ideas and knowledge.

Barbados Advocate

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