Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Originality Clause
Human-Created Work:
All entries must be original human creations. Participants must be the sole creators or collaborators responsible for the concept, writing, performance, and production of their entry.
Use of AI Tools:
Limited, ethical use of AI for minor technical assistance (e.g., grammar correction, background noise removal, visual colour grading) is acceptable.
AI tools must not generate or compose primary creative content (lyrics, melody, text, visuals, or full images).
Participants must disclose any AI tools used in their submission form.
Disqualification Policy:
Entries found to be primarily AI-generated or using AI-created content without disclosure will be automatically disqualified.
Judges reserve the right to request proof of authorship (e.g., drafts, stems, or raw files).
Ethical Standards:
This clause ensures fair recognition of authentic creative work while allowing reasonable use of technology to enhance production quality.
Submission Guidelines & Upload Instructions
1. Click “Register Now” on the CARIFESTA XV “Echoes of Us” Portal. (Once you have registered successfully, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to submit your entry.
2. Click “Submit Your Entry” and complete the online form.
3. Upload your file(s) in the correct category format:
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Literary: .doc, .docx, or .pdf (under 5MB)
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Music: .mp3 or .wav (under 5MB) + lyrics file (.pdf)
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Multimedia: .mp4, .jpg, .png, or .pdf (under 500MB)
4. Name your file(s): FirstNameLastName_Country_Category_Title.
5. Upload proof of age (ID or School Letter) and Consent Form (if under 18).
6. Confirm your submission and await your confirmation email.
NB: Only submissions made through the portal will be accepted.
Tip: Ensure your file uploads completely before closing the browser. Use a stable internet connection.
Judging & Evaluation
Submissions will be evaluated by a regional panel of judges representing literature, music, film, and digital media.
Criterion Description Weight
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Creativity & Originality Uniqueness of idea, authenticity of voice 30%
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Relevance to Theme Reflection of CARIFESTA XV and Caribbean identity 25%
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Artistic/Technical Quality Clarity, craft, and execution 20%
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Emotional Impact Power to engage and move the audience 15%
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Cultural Authenticity Representation of Caribbean heritage and experience 10%
The judges’ decisions are final. Shortlisted entries will be featured in regional showcases.
Copyright & Intellectual-Property Policy
Ownership:
Participants retain full copyright and moral rights to their original works.
License to Use:
By submitting, entrants grant the Division of Culture, Prime Minister’s Office - non-exclusive, royalty-free license to publish, exhibit, and broadcast entries for:
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Educational and promotional purposes
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Regional cultural showcases and archives
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Inclusion in the CARIFESTA Legacy Compendium
Duration:
This license lasts for five (5) years from submission and may be renewed by mutual agreement.
Credit:
Creators will always receive full name and country credit wherever their work appears.
Modification:
Works will not be edited or altered in a way that changes meaning without written consent from the creator.
Produced Song and Media Projects:
The winning song and multimedia works produced under the CARIFESTA Legacy Programme will list both the creator(s) and Division of Culture Prime Minister’s Office as co-producers for archival and credit purposes. Creators retain performing and publishing rights.
Withdrawal:
Participants may withdraw permission for future use by written request to the Programme Coordinator.