When the curtains fell at Carifesta XI in Paramaribo with fireworks, Surinam had opened the way for preparations for the next Arts Festival of the Caribbean. Carifesta XII is being held in Haiti from August 21st through 30th, 2015!

During the closing ceremony, Surinam’s president , Desi Bouterse, extended the cultural baton, a wooden sculpture, to Haiti’s president, Michel Martelly. The Haitian Head of State had declared that his country was ready to welcome Carifesta XII and had since then requested the assistance of Surinam’s planning committee.

“I am extremely proud of this moment, because it is the first time in Carifesta’s history that the responsibility of organizing this event has been transferred hand to hand from one Caricom president to another,” had declared president Bouterse.

At the beginning of his speech, the Head of State of Suriname expressed his gratitude to the many artists who contributed to the success of Carifesta XI. He cited the Rev. Donnie McClurkin, DJ Chuckie of Suriname and Wyclef Jean of Haiti. The President added that during the week of activities, festival-goers had attended an exciting opening show and people had shared their cultures through dance, song, art, multimedia, theater and even film.

Most importantly, the involvement of youth and children had reinforced the promises for a better future . “Our young people have also drawn our attention to the need to build a community responsible for the environment,” he had said. The president was referring to the Village of young people that were participating in the event.

President Bouterse had emphasized that moments such as these made him proud to be the Head of State of the host country of Carifesta. “The celebration of our culture has indeed shown us what we are and what we have,” he stressed. Additionally, the arts festival is a reminder that supporting the culture is essential to development, had declared the president.

More: http://www.carifesta.net/