Your Excellency, Your inaugural speech was justifiably loud in praise for the Caribbean Community. So was your reaffirmation of Guyana’s commitment to this indispensable Caribbean institution. In doing this, you demonstrated continuity. You reaffirmed commitment to an institution for which Guyana has proud and solid relations. We were there at its conception. At its birth. We are an essential part of its current life. In 2022, two years from now, the idea of CARIFESTA will be 50 years! That idea came to life memorably in 1972 in Guyana. Again, in 2008, Guyana was the host of this most important Caribbean gathering. We cannot deny it, CARIFESTAS are special moments for the arts and the wider community. I can testify that the benefits are long lasting. I think Guyana should host a special edition of CARIFESTA in 2022. If we start planning now, we can do it well! A 2022 special edition can provide the focus, attention, and support that Guyana’s cultural sector so sorely needs. President Ali, in the spirit of your inaugural speech, pull together an interagency mechanism, and a public/private/diaspora partnership, along with the CARICOM Secretariat, to begin the planning for a special edition of CARIFESTA in 2022 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of a distinctive Caribbean gathering.