Caribbean cultural delegation for China

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – A cultural delegation from the Caribbean leaves Barbados on Sunday to participate in the Beijing Arts Festival.

Chinese Ambassador to Barbados, Wang Ke, said that the artistes from Barbados will be among those from 10 Caribbean countries performing over a three-day visit in China.

“It will be very well organised and the venue will be a big open park in Beijing. The time coincides with our international Labour Day public holidays, she said.

Culture, Sports and Youth Minister, Stephen Lashley, said he would be leading the Barbados delegation that also includes Chief Executive Officer of the National Cultural Foundation, Cranston Browne.

The other members  of the delegation are Anthony “Gabby” Carter, in the area of folk and jazz; Nikita Browne, jazz singer; Stefan Walcott, keyboardist; Andre Forde, steel pannist; Gene Carson, dance choreographer; Lisa Harewood, filmmaker, and Angela Went, craft person and jeweller.

Lashley said the visit would also allow for high-level discussions in the areas of culture and sports and marks the first opportunity for the Barbadian artistes to be exposed to a major international festival in China.

He said he also intends to sign a Letter of Intent which will complement the existing bilateral agreement in the area of culture.

“We are hoping that out of the discussions we will be able to move further towards the spirit of and enhancing of cooperation which we have enjoyed over the years,” he said, adding “we feel that with the pending proclamation of the Cultural Industries Development Act, this is an opportune time to go to China and forge those relations”.