Panama, August 21, 2025. - Panama is represented at the Caribbean Arts Festival, CARIFESTA, in its version 15, by Cultural Minister María Eugenia Herrera. Under the motto "Caribbean Roots, global excellence," this event is designed to ensure that creative energy, strategic alliances and cultural dialogue translate into tangible and sustainable growth for cultural artists and industries throughout the region.

On her visit, Minister Herrera works with Panama's Ambassador to Barbados, Xiomara Pérez, and both met with Isiuwa Iyahen, Deputy Representative and Chief of Interim Multicountry Office of UN Women for the Caribbean at the Panama Diplomatic Mission.

At the meeting they talked about UN programs in Barbados and shared experiences and good practice on issues of cooperation that could be implemented in Panama. At the end of the meeting they agreed with the importance of advances in women's rights as an essential pillar for development.

On the other hand, Minister Herrera also met with the Minister of Education and Educational Transformation of Barbados, Chad Blackman, with whom she had a dialogue about potential educational collaboration.

Those meetings strengthen the links of cooperation and cultural exchange and promote initiatives that enrich our cultural identities and expressions.

The Minister also attended interviews with the media, including Mornin'Barbados, with journalist Pearson Bowan.

CARIFESTA has assumed an important place among the elements that define and express the peculiarity of Caribbean reality. It has been a model of "inspiring exchange of creative flows" and has awaken enthusiasm throughout the region to celebrate the excellence of Caribbean art.