Translators, first aid support, delegation liaisons, airport meet and greet, ushers, marshals and hospitality hosts are just a sample of the tasks that will be undertaken by the army of volunteers stepping up to assist with the hosting of CARIFESTA XIII.

From July 10, the nearly three hundred persons who have applied to volunteer will start their training, which will include Event Day Responsibilities; Understanding the Guest Experience for Patrons, Festival Policies & Procedures and Customer Service among other topics.

Anyone still wanting to participate in this volunteer programme can collect and complete the application form and bring a passport size photo to the CARIFESTA Secretariat offices at the rear of the SkyMall building at Haggatt Hall. The application can also be accessed online at www.carifesta.net.

Though the minimum age for the programme is 15 years, and a number of young people have pledged their services, there is still the opportunity for experienced and / or retired persons to come forward and give of their expertise in the areas of logistics, artistic programming and event management. There is especially scope for persons who have had the experience of having volunteered before for large events.

As part of the training, all volunteers, who will be working alongside trained professionals, will be armed with a Volunteer Handbook created specifically for this Festival that will outline their many duties and tasks.
The CARIFESTA XIII Volunteer programme presents a unique opportunity for people to meet and interact with others from as far afield as Nicaragua as it is expected that over 21 regional and extra regional countries (17 CARICOM, 1 Dutch Caribbean, 1 French Caribbean, 1 Central Latin American, 1 South American) will be represented in Barbados for this Cultural Festival.