A 53-member delegation from the Virgin Islands, led by Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley and Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture Luce Hodge-Smith, participated in the opening ceremony of CARIFESTA XV on Friday, Aug. 22, at Queen’s Park in Bridgetown, Barbados. Permanent Secretary Joseph Smith Abbott and Assistant Secretary K’Mari Fahie accompanied the delegation.
The Opening Ceremony featured a Parade of Countries—an array of music, dance, and cultural presentations—under this year’s theme, “Caribbean Roots, Global Excellence.” More than 2,500 delegates from 25 countries gathered to mark the return of the Caribbean Festival of Arts after its interruption during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett praised the Government of Barbados and Prime Minister Mia Mottley for their hosting efforts, noting Barbados’s ongoing commitment to regional integration and cultural investment. She also welcomed performances from African theatre groups for the first time, as well as participants from Latin America.
Premier Wheatley expressed pride in his delegation’s presence on the regional stage. “Our participation in CARIFESTA provides an invaluable opportunity to celebrate our identity, strengthen regional connections, and explore new avenues for growth in culture and tourism,” he said. Hodge-Smith emphasized the significance of youth engagement: “By engaging our youth in this regional platform, we are investing in the future of Virgin Islands culture,” she added.
The Virgin Islands delegation includes a wide range of talents—dancers, visual artists, writers, filmmakers, youth representatives, and students—reflecting the Territory’s cultural diversity and creative potential.
