Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley brought the curtains down on Carifesta XV with a stirring address that blended gratitude, cultural pride, and a bold vision for the future of Caribbean arts and identity.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Prime Minister first offered thanks to God for sparing the festival from the "ravages of nature," noting her concern about the hurricane season at the end of August and early September.
She also expressed heartfelt appreciation to visiting delegations, which included artists and cultural practitioners from across the Caribbean, as well as from Africa, Central, and Latin America. "This Carifesta was not just about showcasing talent," she said. "It was about nourishing the soul, affirming our Caribbean civilization, and building a people and a region that can humanize the whole world." The Prime Minister highlighted several milestones of the festival, including the successful hosting of the first-ever Carifesta Student Jamboree, which brought together 300 young Caribbean students.
To ensure the legacy of their participation, she announced a new competition offering awards of up to $25,000 USD for outstanding literary, musical, and multimedia works inspired by Carifesta XV.Mottley also revealed that the festival's popular "Carifesta Village" will be preserved permanently as Carifesta House, a space dedicated to celebrating Caribbean creativity.
