Josette Darguste, the Minister of Culture, in the presence of Stefan Malebranche, Director General of the Ministry, Maryse Noël, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Albert Chancy, Advisor to the President of the Republic, Geneviève Louissaint, member of private cabinet of the President, Mrs. Euvonie Auguste of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Economy and Finance, a representative of the National Police, met last week, the Ambassador of the CARICOM in Haiti, Earl Stephen Huntley, in preparation for Haiti's participation at the 11th Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA XI) to be held in Paramaribo, Suriname from 16 to 25 August 2013.

Thirty countries of the region will showcase their cultural and artistic wealth especially in the visual arts, literature, fashion, culinary arts, crafts, theater and dance. Haiti will be represented by the compas and root music, song, folklore, gastronomy, fashion, and Voodoo. Craftsmen, artists, individuals and businesses will be invited to participate in the 11th Festival.

During the discussions, the issues relating to the organization and logistics of the artistic presence of Haiti in this great cultural event has been reviewed. Earl Stephen Huntley promised to the Government of Haiti the assistance from teh Representation Office of CARICOM in Port-au-Prince and praised the cultural richness of Haiti and the uniqueness of the imagination and intelligence of Haitians. n his opinion, Haiti is too often a victim of bad press that exposes only "trash and insecurity" of some streets of the capital. Ambassador Huntley told that Haiti was revealed to him and other foreigners who have visited the country under a different face, its real image.

"This is the real image of Haiti, which will be displayed in Paramaribo," added the Minister who has explored with the Ambassador the art categories in which the delegation of Haitian artists will participate. This participation in the 2013 Edition will enable Haiti to better prepare for this major event, whose Haiti will be the host in 2015.

Tuesday, April 9, the Minister Darguste held a second meeting on preparations for Haiti's participation in the Caribbean Festival of Arts in the presence of all participants of last week to take stock of progress, based on the tasks that were assigned to each.

Seeking the expertise of professionals for a brilliant representation of Haiti in this great cultural event, the Minister received at this meeting, two renowned personality of the sector of gastronomy and fashion in Haiti, respectively Gladys Dubousquet of the restaurant "La Coupole" and Maëlle David of "Haitian Netwok of Designers", who shared their experiences and promised full cooperation to the Government.

HL/ HaitiLibre