The NPUST Caribbean Alumni Association held the “Heartbeat of the Caribbean” Carnival celebration this year (2025) at Shuyun Hall on the evening of May 12. A delegation of six, including Ambassador Andrea Bowman and Minister Elroy Wilson of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ambassador Donya Lynex Francis of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the wife of the Ambassador of Saint Lucia and other representatives traveled south to participate in the event which was filled with the passionate rhythm and joyful beats of the Caribbean.
At the opening ceremony, Ambassador Andrea Bowman said that she was very happy to come to National Pingtung University of Science and Technology to participate in the Carnival for the second time. As an ambassador and citizen of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, she was very proud and grateful to the Caribbean Alumni Association for organizing the event and for supporting unity and traditional culture. The ambassador mentioned that “the history of the Caribbean is filled with painful contradictions that cannot be blotted out. But the energy of the Carnival celebration can counterpoise these divisive contradictions while also exhibiting the brilliant results that come about when we combine our talents, beauty and creativity.” Director Chun-Yi Lee of the Education Division at the Office of International Affairs remarked that the NPUST campus was a united-nations-like environment where students from more than 40 countries are living together. The cultural festivals of different nationalities help promote deeper understanding, tolerance and respect for different cultures while cultivating broader minds and broader visions.
The Carnival is rooted in a tradition of resistance and resilience, encompassing African spiritual beliefs and colonial-era defiance. It has become a modern symbol of joy, cultural identity, and unity among Caribbean countries. At NPUST, the lively program began with an introduction to the scenic landscape of the Caribbean to showcase the region’s diversity and beauty. This was followed by a film showing historical stories of slavery and post-emancipation celebrations, with students providing narration. After the film, different groups of students put on music and dance performances, vividly presenting the various features of Carnival. Together, they created a profound experience, both educational and entertaining, for the attendees.
