A STANDING ovation brought down the curtains on the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport’s Carifesta Expose. The show — held at the Little Theatre, Tom Redcam Drive in Kingston last Monday — featured the top acts from Jamaica’s presentation in Trinidad and Tobago on August 16-25.

The Caribbean Festival of the Arts (Carifesta) is held biennially to celebrate the ethnic and racial diversity of the region. More than 20 countries from across the Caribbean participated in the event. The Jamaican contingent included approximately 170 dancers, singers, writers, fashion designers, and about 20 artisans. It was the largest cohort at the festival.

“The Olympics of the Arts,” as described by comedian Dufton “Duffy” Shepherd, took place at Queen’s Park Savannah in the country’s capital, Port of Spain. Shepherd also performed and brought the house down.

Actresses Dahlia Harris and Shantol Jackson performed the piece Rent a Friend. The skit left the audience thoroughly entertained and received a resounding round of applause.

Among the other major performances were the Ashe Ensemble with Hit Me With Music. In true Ashe fashion, the performance was high energy. From soca, to reggae to dancehall, the group was able to bring out the best in Caribbean entertainment.

Felisha Sinclair, a member of the audience, gave the group’s performance two thumbs up.

“Every time Ashe performs you just have to keep your eyes wide open, if yuh blink you miss something important. Definitely a top-class act,” she said.

Ashe Academy, made of more junior performers, was no different as they too received the stamp of approval from the audience for their number titles Island In the Sun.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia “Babsy” Grange said she was pleased with the work of the Jamaican contingent.

“We mash up Trinidad,” she said. “We give you a little taste of our outstanding performances at Carifesta 14.”

Grange also used the opportunity to once again plea with corporate Jamaica to support the creative industry.

“I’ve pledged and I recommend and commit to continue to be the chief advocate, chief cheerleader, chief supporter, the chief motivator for our creative and athletic people and ensure you get the respect that you deserve and importantly to get the resources you need to build sustainable prosperity for yourselves and for your country,” she explained.

“The mission of my ministry is to continue to build on the creativity of our people by investing in regional mega events like Carifesta,” Grange continued.

She also expressed that it was important to keep the industry alive and structure, so people can ear from their creativity.

Other performers Monday evening included singers Sarina Constantine and Chevaugn, who both filled the venue with sweet sounds of music. The University Players, L’Acadco and the Stella Maris Dance Ensemble.

Movements Dance Company, with their piece Wrath of God, was the perfect end to a spectacular show.

“I can’t pick a highlight moment. The entire show was very good and I enjoyed every bit,” said Janelle Brown, audience member.