As the time draws nearer for the third Annual Inter- Guiana Cultural Festival to be hosted in French Guiana from July 11-15, Culture Minister Dr. Frank Anthony has said that preparations are moving apace for Guyana’s participation.

Speaking to the media on Friday last, Dr. Anthony stated that Guyana will be well represented by the 50- member delegation at this festival which is a fusion of the cultural diversity of the three Guianas – Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname.
According to him, in each of the six areas of the festival, there has been the appointment of someone who is very knowledgeable and competent to lead in the respective area, which includes literary arts, culinary, visual, performing, music, fashion, film and craft.
He further stated that Director of Culture, Dr. James Rose is currently in Suriname finalising some of the preparations for the festival, and rehearsals are also being held here in the various aspects of the festival such as cultural presentations.
Dr. Anthony noted that this festival is a very important one, since it helps in bringing the three Guianas closer together and sharing common areas in the culture of these three countries.
He noted that the persons from these countries will also be given the chance to learn from each other, since there will be various interactive sessions such as workshops.

JOINT PROJECTS
The culture minister also stated that the representatives from these countries in the various cultural areas will also be examining ways in which they can do joint projects, and so he is hoping that these projects will be included in the outcome of the festival.
Dr. Anthony pointed out that already among the artists, they have been doing joint sculptures at each one of these festivals, making reference to the wooden sculpture which was done when Guyana hosted the festival last year, and which is now at the National Cultural Centre (NCC).
He added that among the writers they are also looking to do a joint publication in the various languages, but that is still a work in progress.
The Inter-Guiana Cultural Festival was first held in Suriname in 2011, and then Guyana in 2012, and it is now French Guiana’s turn to host the festival, and with each of the three countries taking turns to be host,  this cycle is expected to continue.