Lashley: Carifesta to cost far less

THIS YEAR’S CARIFESTA will cost Barbados millions of dollars less than when it was hosted here in 1981, promises Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley. 

Following an update of plans for the August 17-27 festival at his ministry’s Haggatt Hall, St Michael offices yesterday, Lashley told the DAILY NATION CARIFESTA would cost $8 million, in comparison with the more than $25 million price tag of its predecessor.

Back then, Barbados paid for the entire affair but this time around the host country will not be covering the airfare and accommodation for the visiting delegates – just local transportation, infrastructure and marketing.

There has been criticism from the Opposition about the cost of hosting such a large-scale event in light of current economic issues. However, Lashley said the event had the potential for the island to gain more than it spent.

“We have put in place a system and have competent personnel to manage it . . . an indication we have really come of age. We want to use CARIFESTA as the platform to [spur] economic growth via creativity and culture,” he added.

CARIFESTA XIII would include more than 3 000 participants from more than 20 territories.

Festival director Andrea Wells said some of the events would be available for pay-per-view and others would be accessible online. She said they had partnered with the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association and Intimate Hotels, and there might be special rates for incoming participants. (CA)