The Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture is proud to announce that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will be represented by its largest delegation in history at the fifteenth edition of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA XV), to be held in Barbados, from Friday, 22nd August 2025.
Members of the accredited delegation commenced leaving the state on Wednesday, 20th August 2025 and continue today. 68 Vincentians are representing in the performing arts, with 7 artisans and local entrepreneurs also showcasing some of the best products of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. With performers, artists, artisans, and cultural practitioners spanning every artistic discipline, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will stand tall on the regional stage as a beacon of creativity and cultural heritage. Additionally, 50 participating students from St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be in Barbados for the cultural immersion activities and support for the national contingent. This unprecedented contingent is a bold statement of the vibrancy, resilience, and richness of Vincentian culture, and the uptick of interest in cultural expression and the increasing formalisation of the orange economy in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
From August 22nd to 31st, the contingent will be engaged in specialised workshops to hone and refine their talent and cultural expression, while also being exposed to other cultural practices from contingents across the region. Notably too, the contingent will benefit from having Dr. the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, as he participates in a high-level discussion entitled “The Idea of Caribbean Civilisation” in a special edition of the CARIFESTA XV Series – Big Talk, Nuff Action: Real Change, Real Sustainability. Alongside Prime Minister Gonsalves, the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of the Republic of Barbados, will be on the panel, as well as Dr. June Soomer, Historian and Diplomat, and Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies.
Director of Culture, Ms. Maxine Browne, will also represent Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on Tuesday, 26th August 2025, at the Faculty of Humanities and Education, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus for a special book launch of the text “An Unconquerable Spirit: The Indigenous Resistance to Colonisation in the Caribbean Windward Islands”. In addition, Director Browne will be joined by Professor Alan Cobley, Editor and Mrs. Gweneth Frederick.
CARIFESTA XV marks not only a cultural showcase but a defining moment of unity for the region. Under the theme “Echoes of the Drum…Ancestral Rhythms and Future Voices”, the Vincentian delegation will present a special production on the country night of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, on Thursday, 28th August 2025. The production will highlight the rhythms, stories, and traditions that make Saint Vincent and the Grenadines unique, while contributing to the shared Caribbean identity that CARIFESTA celebrates.
Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, Hon. Carlos James, noted: “Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has been punching above its weight culturally, and this year, by sending our largest delegation yet, we affirm our place at the heart of the Caribbean cultural movement. This historic delegation signals our commitment to investing in the arts, empowering our creatives, and ensuring that Vincentian voices resound across the Caribbean.”
Permanent Secretary (Ag.) in the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, Dr. Tamira Browne, added: “CARIFESTA is a living expression of our shared history, resilience, and creativity. Our participation is not only about showcasing our talent but also about strengthening the bonds that unite our region.”
The contingent’s presence at CARIFESTA XV will feature electrifying performances, captivating exhibitions, and Vincentian artistry that speak to the soul of the nation and the spirit of its people. The management team includes: Mr. Ricardo Adams, Mr. Rodney Small and Ms. Maxine Browne, with special technical production coordinators: Mrs. Juanita Phillips-Cato, Mr. Sean Frederick, and Mr. Bomani Charles.
The Ministry extends congratulations to all participants and expresses gratitude to the cultural practitioners whose creativity and passion continue to elevate Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
SOURCE: Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture
