As Guyana prepares to host the Tenth Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA X) 22-31 August 2008, capacity is being built in the area of theatre training for over 600 persons from across the country. To this end, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport launched a Technical Theatre Training program on Monday 2 June at the National Cultural Centre, the venue for theatrical productions to be staged by local and regional contingents during CARIFESTA X.

 
The training program, which will see persons trained in acting, lighting, sound, costuming, production management and set construction among others, was introduced by the CARIFESTA Secretariat as part of their plan to have a sustainable and beneficial initiative that would last beyond Guyana’s hosting of CARIFESTA X.  It was initially designed to train 170 persons but overwhelming responses led to the widening of training placements.    
 
Delivering remarks at the launching ceremony, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony extended gratitude to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) for funding the project. He also expressed confidence in the ability of the trainers to execute the project successfully “as they were the best Guyana had to offer.” Among the trainers are veteran theatre personalities Ron Robinson, Henry Rodney and Gem Madhoo-Nascimento. The Minister urged the trainees to “pay keen attention and not take the experience for granted.”
 
In reiterating the Minister’s call, Project Director of the program and Artistic Director of CARIFESTA X, Dr Paloma Mohamed challenged the participants to “make good use of the opportunity and rise up to the challenge of making the project a success,” as it was the first of its kind to be introduced in the Caribbean.
 
The Technical Theatre Training program is expected to transform the performing arts in Guyana during CARIFESTA and beyond. It is also anticipated that the trainees would take their skills back to their communities and assist in the staging of performances.