At CARIFESTA XV in Barbados, Minister of State Sandrine Umutoni joined global leaders and cultural figures to reflect on Caribbean civilization and celebrate the opening of the 10-day festival of arts, culture, and cooperation.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth and Arts, Sandrine Umutoni, attended the Big Conversations panel on “The Idea of Caribbean Civilization” alongside Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of St. Vincent & the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Ambassador Dr. June Soomer, and UWI Vice-Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles, with CARICOM Secretary General H.E. Dr. Carla Barnett as chair. The panel reflected on the past, present, and future of Caribbean civilizations, exploring themes of national identity, social inequalities, the global impact of modern technologies, and the region’s relations with Africa. 

Minister of state Sandrine Umutoni also joined the opening ceremony, which brought together Heads of Government from the Caribbean, Latin America, and Africa, marking the start of a 10-day celebration of vibrant Caribbean arts, culture, history, and regional cooperation.