CARIFESTA XII opens in Haiti with a bang despite rain
PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti -- The twelfth edition of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA XII) opened on Friday night with exciting performances, speeches and fireworks. The event began with a parade of all the countries represented, dressed in their traditional national dress and arriving in the Haitian traditional mode of transportation, tap-taps. It was a scene of pure excitement, vibrant colours and smiles all around. The Haitians were very gracious and the refrain “welcome to Haiti!” was a common feature of the night’s proceedings. The ceremony was attended by president of Haiti Michel Martelly; secretary general of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Irwin LaRocque; minister of culture, Haiti, Dithny Joan Raton; minister of culture, sport and youth, Barbados, Stephen Lashley; as well as other dignitaries and members of the diplomatic corps. In his remarks at the ceremony, LaRocque said it was a historic moment for Haiti and for the Community. He said he was very pleased to see that