The Annual Christian Valley Mango Festival for this year will be officially launched on 22nd May at the Heritage Hotel in St Johns.

The Opening ceremony will be attended by the Governor General Her Excellency Dame Louise Lake-Tack who is the patron of the Christian Valley Mango Festival.

To signify the importance of this annual event which has now become part of the National calendar of events members of the Government including the Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism and Minister of Agriculture and other officials will also be attending the launch.

Mangofest will serve to further highlight the move towards furthering the linkages between Tourism and Agriculture. Professional chefs and bartenders from all the hotels and restaurants will be invited to compete with each other for 1st 2nd and 3rd prize and a special prize for the most innovative dish or drink. The Competition will form part of the Mangofest programme entitled Magic Mango Menu 2008 and will take place on the 26th July .It is envisaged that the various chefs in Antigua and Barbuda will create appealing dishes with an emphasis on locally produced fruits and vegetables, thereby increasing the production of our farmers and making a significant contribution to the National economy

Manager of the Christian Valley. Agricultural Station Mr. Dandridge Joseph says that the expected mango crop this year will be significant. According to indications an abundance of mango will be available and we have to find creative ways of ustilising them.

The Festival will take place over a two day period starting Saturday 16 August and concluding on Sunday 17th August. The Event will be fun a filled family affair. Many plants will be on sale and there will be a grand cultural extravaganza. We look forward to seeing everyone there.(Ends)

For further Information please contact:
Caudley George
Ministry of Tourism
Tel: 268 462 0028/9