Independence Square in Paramaribo, Suriname came alive yesterday afternoon as the week-long celebrations of Carifesta VIII kicked off with a grand parade of close to 1,000 representatives from 30 countries, including Guyana.

Guyana’s 50-member cultural delegation, part of a near 100-strong contingent from South America’s lone English-speaking country, had the Golden Arrowhead flying proudly in the colourful display.

Speaking with Stabroek News prior to the 4 pm opening ceremony, Stanley Sidoel, Secretary General of the National Carifesta VIII Commit-tee, described it as a “big honour” for Suriname to host the event. But for the Dutch-speaking country, one of the more recent additions to the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), it is all about showing the world that Suriname is integrating. Suriname became the 14th Member State of CARICOM on July 4, 1995.

“It is a big honour in the first place and a big responsibility [since] it is not a Surinamese thing, but a Caribbean thing...Suriname, being a non-English speaking country in the Caribbean, we want to reiterate our sincere intent of integrating in the Caribbean. So we are doing our utmost to make it successful,” Sidoel said.

Up to midday yesterday, there were but a few hiccups, which, the official said, were considered “small things” when compared to the scale of the operation. Among the hiccups, Sidoel said, was the last-minute inclusion of some countries that had indicated that they were not participating initially.

“We were not expecting Aruba to participate. Suddenly, they are there are the airport. So we had to make adjustments in the programming... although we find solutions for this, still it gives some pressure.”

The nine-member committee started preparations for the festivities some months ago and has spent an estimated US$1M to host the event. However, Sidoel said Suriname is not looking for a financial return.

“We are looking to show the world that we are integrating, so you spend money and to stress that we are part of the Caribbean,” the official stated.

The sizes of the contingents vary. Up to yesterday afternoon, Trinidad and Tobago had the largest contingent with 136 persons, six more than that country had reported it was taking, while the Turks and Caicos Islands sent a two-man delegation. Ironically, half of that delegation is Guyanese musician, Kenton Wyatt.

Sidoel told this newspaper that it is expected that there would be between 800 and 900 participants and that all participants should have arrived by last night.

With regards to Suriname’s participation, Sidoel said they it is putting 100 percent emphasis on the indigenous people of that country since a large part of the Surinamese population is made up of Amerindians.

“We have set up an Indigenous Village at Palmentuin (Palm Tree Gardens) where we have built typical Indian camps. When all the activities are concluded (every night), the Indigenous Village will be a hospitality centre... We put extra stress on the youths they are the future of Carifesta.” The Indigenous Peoples Village opened last night after the grand celebration in Independence Square.

The main activity of Carifesta VIII will be the Grand Market at the KKF complex in Paramaribo where there will be daily displays of art and culture of the participating countries. Following the opening of the Grand Market today, Guyana is slated to participate in a Film Festival, along with Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, French Guiana, the Netherlands and Suriname. There will also be musical entertainment; Dutch workshops and performances; visual arts exhibitions and culinary arts sales; designers from around the Caribbean will be offering their clothing for sale; fashion shows from Barbados, Ghana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago; traditional dances from Curacao, Brazil and Suriname; theatre performances from Suriname, French Guiana, the Netherlands and Antigua.

By the end of the night, celebrants can have their pick at either enjoying an Indonesian puppet show at Sana Budaya, a postal exhibition in the garden at Independence Square, or a flower and orchid show at the Cultuurtuin on Letitiavriesdelaan.