From Wednesday August 14th to 24th 2013 a small delegation of six Anguillians had the distinct pleasure of travelling to Suriname for Carifesta XI. The delegation was led by Ms. Shellya Rogers; Programme Officer with responsibility for Culture at the Department of Youth and Culture. The experience was said to be both overwhelming and rewarding and though Anguilla was unable to directly contribute to the activities each member of the contingent gained a valuable, cultural and professional experience.
A group of approximately 35 persons were originally scheduled to travel and participate in the event, however financial constraints made such a venture impossible. The Ministry of Social Development and the Department of Youth and Culture still believed that in spite of the constraints it was important to have some Anguillians from various areas of the arts benefit from the experience. An observer contingent of 5 individuals were then chosen and prepared to travel. Due to illness one member cancelled at the last minute but nonetheless the island was well represented. The other participants included Mr. Vanier Harrigan; a member of the Carifesta XI Committee and Event Planner, Mrs. Karimah Carty; Culinary Artist and Ms. Shanicia Richardson; Visual Artist.
The delegation also included Jervis Richardson and Rochelle Rogers Anguilla’s CARICOM Youth Ambassadors. Both Richardson’s and Rogers’ travel expenses were paid for by the government of Suriname with assistance from the government of Anguilla.
Meanwhile Anguilla’s Soca Monarch, Roxxy( Roxanne Webster) performed among international artistes at Carifesta. She was selected by the Trinidad Carifesta Committee as one of the region’s top Soca artistes and by all accounts gave a dynamic performance.
The Department of Youth and Culture wishes to thank the Carifesta Committee, local restaurants and businesses, Calypsonians, radio stations and the Government of Anguilla for making such an experience possible.
– Contributed
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
