NEWS RELEASE: DEPARTMEMT OF CULTURE – CARIFESTA XIII

#TurksandCaicos, August 31, 2017 – Providenciales – Hon. Ralph Higgs, Minister of Tourism, Environment, Culture, Heritage and Gaming, Director of Culture, Miss Ludwina Fulford and Senior Cultural Officer, Miss Alishia Duncanson return to the islands after attending Carifesta XIII held in Barbados 17-27th August, 2017.   Carifesta XIII’s theme was “Asserting Our Culture, Celebrating Our Selves”, and welcomed over 23 Caribbean and Latin America nations showcasing a wide array of disciplines including film; folk traditions; several genres of music, theatre and dance; traditional culinary cuisine inclusive of national dishes and beverages at the largest gathering for Artistic expressions.

The Culture Department participated in the “Country Booth” segment held in the “Grand Market” during which the culture team displayed many local products including music by a number of our local artists, Bambara Rum, Caicos Tea and promoted a variety of local products and souvenirs. The team met directors from around the region and sat in on a cultural policy workshop that included approximately 100 cultural practitioners, policy makers and academics from around the Caribbean in support of the development of the draft Turks and Caicos Islands Cultural Policy.

In addition, the Turks and Caicos Junior Chef team, comprising Team Leader Edwin Gallardo, Chaperon Mrs. Nicholette Thomas and Junior Chefs Kentisha Hall and Christian Green entered the Caribbean Junior Dueling Challenge which commenced on the 24th August and were victorious in capturing the first position for the competition.

Reacting to their success, Mrs. Stacy Cox, Executive Director of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, commented “I am so elated to congratulate our team for successfully capturing first place in the National Dish preparation and the gold medal for the overall competition. Their hard work and dedication really paid off. They left the island with one goal in mind, and were determined to get it. Kudos to Team TCI!! You’ve made us all proud.”

Hon. Higgs remarked “having travelled with the team and observing the various activities that took place during Carifesta XIII I am happy that we were able to participate in such an activity.   This mega cultural festival has given the Department of Culture exposure but by extension it gave the Turks and Caicos Islands maximum exposure.   I wish to extend hearty congratulations to the Junior Culinary Arts Team for their victories they achieved in their competition. This is just the beginning of success for you! We are extremely proud of you!”

Director of Culture, Ms. Fulford stated that “Carifesta XIII was an amazing experience from start to finish. We were able to not only promote our country, but were also able to sample cuisine, view crafts, observe demonstrations of various art form productions, and build stronger relationships with regional counterparts.   It is our hope that as we work towards Carifesta XIV we will be able to expose a larger contingent to this rich cultural experience.   I too wish to register congratulations and best wishes on behalf of the Department of Culture to the Culinary Team for a job well done! There is no doubt that talent exists in the Turks and Caicos Islands, from your efforts the world has been reminded of this.   Congratulations again.”

Overall we are pleased with the outcome and look forward to participating in more events in the next Carifesta”.

 LABELS:

Picture 1 Label: Ludwina Fulford, Director of Culture, Hon Ralph Higgs, Minister of  Tourism, Environment, Culture, Heritage and Gaming, Alishia Duncanson, Senior Cultural Officer, TCI

Picture 4 Label: Team Leader Edwin Gallardo, Ludwina Fulford, Director of Culture Chaperon Mrs. Nicholette Thomas and Junior Chefs Kentisha Hall and Christian Green.

Picture 5 Label: Ludwina Fulford, Director of Culture, TCIG, The Honourable Stephen Lashley, Minister of Culture, Sports & Youth, Barbados, Alishia Duncanson, Senior Cultural Officer, TCIG, and Mrs. Andrea Wells, Chief Cultural Office of the National Cultural Foundation and Festival Director Carifesta XIII

Press Release: TCIG