A long-time figure in Guyana’s cultural industry has raised concerns about the country’s preparations to host the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) in October 2027, questioning the decision to stage the event outside its traditional August period and whether sufficient venues and facilities will be available.
The industry veteran, who spoke to Kiskadee Watch on condition of anonymity, said there appeared to be uncertainty surrounding the arrangements for the regional cultural festival, expressing concern that more planning was needed to accommodate the artistes, cultural groups and visitors expected to attend.
“CARIFESTA coming, so they have to start the work at the Cultural Centre,” the source said, suggesting that preparations should be moving forward as Guyana gets ready to host the event for a third time.
The source questioned why the festival had been scheduled for October, noting that previous editions were generally held in August, when schools are closed and their facilities can be used to accommodate activities and participants. “Why are we putting it in October? It’s usually in August,” the source said.
The source further noted that the timing of previous festivals allowed organisers to make use of school halls and other facilities during the vacation period, while also making it easier for schoolchildren to participate in the cultural activities. “You want the schoolchildren to attend and all of that. They’re home,” the source said, referring to the advantages of holding the festival during the August school holiday.
The industry veteran also questioned whether the facilities being considered for the 2027 event would be adequate for its expected scale. “They claim they have spaces, but I don’t know what they’re talking about. You need a lot more,” the source said, expressing uncertainty about how organisers intended to accommodate the festival’s requirements.
The source added that there was not enough clarity about how the event would be organised, stating: “I really don’t know how they plan on doing this. There is nothing concrete.”
Guyana is preparing to host CARIFESTA XVI from October 8 to 17, 2027, following the announcement by Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson last September.
The festival is expected to bring together artistes, performers, writers and other cultural practitioners from across the Caribbean, showcasing regional traditions and creative expressions through music, dance, theatre, literature and visual arts.
Guyana has hosted CARIFESTA twice before, staging the inaugural festival in 1972 and hosting the 10th edition in 2008. The most recent edition, CARIFESTA XV, was held in Barbados in August 2025 under the theme “Caribbean Roots, Global Excellence.”
In August 2026, Guyanese ministers responsible for culture met with representatives of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat to discuss aspects of the festival, including its programme, financial and administrative requirements, logistics, marketing and opportunities for developing the region’s creative industries.
Following the announcement of the dates in September, Ramson said Guyana intended to draw on the experiences of the three most recent host countries to strengthen preparations and learn from challenges encountered during previous stagings. CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett also pledged the Secretariat’s technical support for the event.
The festival is expected to provide a platform for Caribbean cultural exchange while creating opportunities for local artistes and creative professionals.
Ramson and other ministry officials do not respond to requests for comment on matters related to the ministry. Staff have said that they were not allowed to speak to some sections of the media.
Source: Kiskadee Watch
