Rose Hall Culture Festival Celebrates Heritage, Community, and Youth Engagement
The Rose Hall Cultural and Development Organization hosted its annual Rose Hall Culture Festival on Saturday, April 19, 2025, drawing community members, youth, and cultural leaders together for a day of reflection, celebration, and unity.
The day began with a 5-mile heritage walk, retracing the footsteps of African ancestors, early settlers, and enslaved peoples who once journeyed the historic paths of Cumberland Road and the Great Trail. Along the route, participants explored old village sites, breathtaking overlooks, and landmarks, all steeped in local history and oral traditions.
Minister of Culture, Hon. Carlos James, commended the Rose Hall Cultural and Development Organization for its commitment to community development and announced continued government support, including upgrades to the facility, the establishment of a local office, and initiatives to boost farming and employment in the area. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication, stating that Rose Hall is among the top community courts poised to host regional and international events.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture and Guide Leader of the #1 Kingstown Girl Guides Company Dr. Tamira Browne, led a group of 40 girl guides on the trail, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation.
Dr. Browne said the experience provided an opportunity for the youth to connect with local history and discover lesser-known sites that are integral to the nation’s heritage.
President of the Rose Hall Cultural Committee, Selwyn Patterson, said it was important to preserve Rose Hall’s rich past while building a vibrant future. He described the experience as a cultural journey, connecting participants to ancestral stories, traditional foods like tapioca (cassava) dumplings, and the indigenous practices that shaped the community.
Patterson said his vision is to develop Rose Hall into a thriving cultural village where locals and visitors alike can drum, dance, and celebrate heritage together.
The festival concluded with food booths featuring local cuisine, drumming performances, and a cultural showcase, all set in the scenic Rose Hall community.
As the Rose Hall Cultural and Development Organization celebrates its18th anniversary, its mission remains clear: to honor the past, enrich the present, and inspire the future through heritage, creativity, and community collaboration.
