Bermuda representatives put on a dazzling show at the Caribbean Festival of the Arts in Barbados, according to social development minister Zane DeSilva.

Mr DeSilva told the House of Assembly the Gombeys made such an impression they were asked to perform at a drama festival in Antigua and Barbuda, which has since been called off due to the devastation from Hurricane Irma.

Meanwhile author Florenz Maxwell has been invited to visit other countries as a storyteller to share her tale in her publication Girlcott.

The festival took place from August 18 to 27.

Mr DeSilva told MPs: “Our participants delighted audiences with the pulsating rhythms of our Gombey dancers and drummers; the soulful yet powerful singing of our vocalists; and the exquisite, elegant yet artful, spectacular, professional and creative movements of our dancers.

“The cacophony of sounds created by the Wall Street Band delighted, wowed and mesmerised the audiences where ever our participants performed. All of them performed brilliantly and masterfully. They collaborated with each other and developed showcases that were exceptional.

“All of our participants were so grateful for this opportunity to perform on the international stage and represent Bermuda.

“They acknowledged that such participation helped empower them, and further develop their skills and expertise. Moreover, those who participated are keen to share what they have learned to help nurture and develop others. This is crucial to capacity building.

“I am so proud of our participants; their performances and the collaborations that developed amongst themselves. They represented Bermuda well.

“On behalf of the Bermuda Government, again I say to them publically, ‘Thank you very much for so beautifully and artfully representing Bermuda on an international stage.’”

• To read Mr DeSilva’s speech in full, click on the PDF under “Related Media”