(Barbados Today) Barbados is pumping millions into hosting the 13th edition of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) this summer, just weeks after this year’s Crop Over Festival, with renovations to performing venues on the cards and social media being used as a key tool to drive people here.

Minister of Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports Stephen Lashley said a budget of $8 million – $2 million for renovations to performing venues such as the Combermere School, St Leonard’s Secondary, Alexandra and Christ Church Foundation School and another $6 million for the execution of the 11-day festival – have been already earmarked by ministry officials.

Addressing the media at his Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall, St Michael office today, Lashley said planners expect about 3 000 artistes and artisans to converge on Barbados for the August 17-27 festival that has been given the sobriquet, the cultural Olympics of the region.