…we have breathed new life into Carifesta – PresidentLast evening, Guyana brought the curtains down on Carifesta X with a grand finale pageantry of the numerous delegations that have been celebrating the Festival of Arts over the past ten days.The Caribbean’s diversity was truly highlighted with a spectacular splash of colour, culture and pride at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence yesterday.Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony hands over the ceremonial Carifesta scroll to the Bahamian Minister of State and Culture Charles MaynardStarting off with a parachute display by the Guyana Defence Force, the thousands gathered were thrilled throughout the almost four-hour closing ceremony.In what was touted as a ceremony that upstaged the opening of the event, there were performances from 29 participating countries.However, the highlight of the evening was when President Bharrat Jagdeo declared that Guyana has done a great service to regionalism through the festival, and that “we have breathed new life into Carifesta.”The thousands waved flags in the air as President Jagdeo emphasized that, “There is a firm diversity within the region, and this event is a uniting force for the people of the Caribbean.“In hosting this festival, we trained many persons in a wide array of disciplines…we gave our artistes the priceless opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the best in the region.”He added that the country provided special participation for its young people and the public, who welcomed the festival with ‘laudable dignity and our unmatched hospitality.’As Guyanese look back at the festival, the Head of State said, they will each have their own special memories,China Jerseys Free Shipping, which everyone can cherish forever.“Carifesta X has provided us with a deeper understanding of the arts and the necessity of placing its development high on the agenda of nation building…We will now return to the more mundane task of creating a better life for our people,” President Jagdeo said.“Carifesta X has demonstrated that, by working together, the country can do ‘fantastic’ things in Guyana,” he added.“There are not many places in the world,Wholesale Jerseys Free Shipping,” he added, that have the great honour and opportunities which Carifesta X have presented to Guyana.“As a nation we rose to the occasion…we did ourselves proud, we created a Carifesta to remember…the biggest Carifesta ever.”According to the secretariat, more than half a million persons attended events held across Guyana over the past 10 days, President Jagdeo declared.As the Bahamas accepted the Carifesta Scroll from Guyana’s Minister of Culture,NFL Jerseys China Cheap, Dr. Frank Anthony, there was a grand display of aspects of that country’s carnival,Cheap NFL Jerseys China, which is popularly known as ‘Junkanoo.’In accepting the scroll, Bahamas Minister of State for Culture, Charles Maynard, said that his country is highly indebted to Guyana for hosting the event.He explained that while the Bahamas had accepted the mantle to host the event, there were unforeseen circumstances that led to the country being unable to fulfill that commitment.“Over the past ten days, we have seen the people of Guyana spare no effort to welcome the people of the Caribbean to its beautiful shores…and we have been given an excellent example of a successful Carifesta,” Maynard said.Under the theme, ‘One Caribbean, One purpose, Our Culture, Our Life’ Guyana hosted Carifesta X successfully, with only some minor glitches.Over the past ten days, the Caribbean’s culture,Cheap NBA Jerseys China, artistes and people were showcased in varying forms.The Festival has returned to Guyana for the second time in 36 years,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, the first being in 1972, when Carifesta was born.Activities including culinary, visual, literary and performing arts, community festivals, grand cultural markets, child/youth fora, symposia and workshops, as well as four super concerts, were among the many events that took place. (Tusika Martin)