Belize delegation returns from CARIFESTA

Since it was first held in 1972, CARIFESTA has been promoting Caribbean artists and writers. The festival has been fading but this year, it revved into full gear in Suriname. A delegation from Belize, the smallest to attend, headed there and successfully participated in several workshops promoting crafts and jewelry.  A Belizean designer made an impression and his clothing line sold off at the Grand Central Market.  Duane Moody caught up with a delegation that arrived this morning at the Phillip Goldson International Airport.

Duane Moody, Reporting

Just after ten this morning, a second delegation of about fifteen persons; singers, dancers, musicians and a fashion designer returned to the jewel. Overwhelmed and super excited about their performance and representation at the 2013 CARIFESTA in Paramaribo, Suriname.  The event showcased Belize at its best in music, dance, theatre, visual arts, literary arts, fashion and jewelry.

Joris Hendrik

Joris Hendrik, Belizean Fashion Designer

“It was an incredible experience sharing the stage with so many fashion designers from the Caribbean; top of the line fashion designers. And I also got to meet young designers as myself, who have that enthusiasm about fashion. The night of the Grandeur Fashion Show, which was this exclusive fashion show for VIP people and politicians, after that, the next day my name was in the newspaper along with Belize being mentioned as one of the countries to watch for fashion. So that was an incredible experience and humbling as well because not many people get that.”

The international event features all Caribbean countries. And also wowing the crowd, were the creative artists from the Belize National Dance Company. So much so that they were asked to participate in the closing ceremonies for the Festival.

Raymond McFadzean

Raymond McFadzean, Member, Belize National Dance Company

“We have stud out in Europe at the A level and we just took our A level also to Carifesta.”

Duane Moody

“You guys had the honor of being invited to perform for the closing ceremonies. Tell us about that honor and how you guys felt about doing something like that?”

Raymond McFadzean

“Well our country night was the night prior to the closing ceremony and they told us the said day that they wanted us to perform. And all of us were so surprised and feel so good about it; that we were able to show what we had to offer as part of the closing ceremony. And you have to be really good to be a part of the closing ceremony. We went in about a whole hour rehearsal to ensure that we were fit and bring out that ‘A’ game.”

Also having representation at Carifesta was Galen University’s Eagles Band. They were so well received and acknowledged for their musical presentation that they have been invited to return and participate in an annual festival later this year.

Josh Arana

Josh Arana, Musician, Galen Eagles Band

“It meant a lot for us as the Galen Eagles Band. We found out on the trip that there are a lot of similarities to our Belizean culture to the cultures that represented the Caribbean as well. Most people were questioning where our rhythms came from and when we started giving them our history as Garinagu people. As Creole people, as Belizeans, people were like oh you people are like family to us.  We have been invited back for a big celebration that happens every year in Suriname. So we are working with a liaison from down there who is definitely interested in having us.”

The remaining delegates return on Friday morning. Duane Moody for News Five.