Sponsored by the Agency and facilitated by ARD Training Coordinator Dr. Lincoln H. Douglas and Mr. Anderson Quarless, who is recognised for his film Blinded, the three-day course took place from 20th to 22nd of April.

The exercise also served to enhance the ARD’s preparation for documenting and filming the Carriacou Maroon Festival, which culminated on May 1. In order to build capacity in the Carriacou community, the course provided participants with the opportunity to learn about designing a story, writing a script, camera work, filming, interviewing, editing and documenting a project.

“As a result, there is now a pool of local people who understand the fundamentals of recording and documenting the heritage and culture of Carriacou,” according to Dr. Douglas.

Mr. Quarless and his associates from T & R Coms are currently in New York where Blinded is being featured at a major international Film Festival.

Following are some comments from participants:

Donisha Roberts: “It was a good experience learning a lot of different things … interviewing skills, for example, how to get ready for an interview, delivery and what to do after …”

Dexter Leggard: “Generally, I think the training was very good … I have been involved for a while in videotaping without any formal training and the information was very good for me … especially the part abut interviewing and editing … an overall rating for the course for me would be very good …’’

Shem Quamina: “It was enjoyable … and an excellent course.”

Gloria Baptiste Adams: “It was very, very good and I gained a lot of knowledge …especially the part about writing a story, then the interviewing skills… all in all it was a very good and practical course.”

Participants had to complete the entire three-day course in order to receive a Certificate of Participation. Nine participants received certificates.

One of the recommendations from participants was that an advanced programme be offered. The ARD is actively considering this proposal.