Georgetown: As was promised, the inaugural Guyana Festival 2014 got off to an impressive start amidst pomp and ceremony earlier Friday evening at the Guyana National Stadium as it displayed a taste of Guyanese rich and diverse cultures.
The event got underway with the Guyana Defence Force’s, Harpy Eagle free fall squad putting on a spectacular air show for the hundreds who gathered at the Providence, East Bank Demerara, location for the festival.
The paratroopers, all locally trained, put on an impressive show for the Guyanese crowd with free falls from a skyvan aircraft, which was some 5000 feet in the air.
As some of the paratroopers gracefully glided through the afternoon sky much to the amusement of the crowd, others entertained the crowd with acrobatic displays while in mid air as they all proudly flew the Golden Arrowhead.
Meanwhile the official opening ceremony subsequently got under way under the theme “Myths and legends, sweet, sweet Guyana” with a rich cultural programme which showcased what makes Guyana what it truly is, a land of six people.
A section of the large crowd that converged at the tarmac of the Guyana National Stadium to get a taste of Guyana’s rich culture at the inaugural staging of the Guyana Festival
The country’s six people, their culture, and diversity were displayed through dances, drumming, songs and even poetry much to the delight of the audience.
In keeping with the theme, each ethnic group displayed their own unique talent, cultures and diversity, through interpretive dances, songs, and drumming.
On the occasion, Minister of Tourism (ag), Irfaan Ali, deemed the event as an excellent opportunity for all Guyanese to celebrate in confidence what makes Guyanese unique, capable, diverse and special.
“Tonight in confidence we celebrate the culture we inherited; tonight we are showing the world that our culture still remains intact.”
An African drumming group, as they put on a spectacular performance at the opening night of the inaugural Guyana Festival
The Minister told the large gathering that the event was birthed out of the idea to create a unique festival, one which places Guyana, its people, diverse culture and products on the international market.
Minister Ali noted that given the turn out and the atmosphere; the idea certainly achieved its objective and will bring positive benefits for Guyana on an international level.
“In confidence we will move forward, to have the best airport, the most modern medical care for tourists, and brothers and sisters who live here; in confidence we will move Guyana forward, we have no other choice but to unite in confidence.”
The Tourism Minister called on Guyanese to unite, as the administration will remain committed towards providing a better country for all.
“We are confident as Guyanese that we want a better country, we want to build a better country for our children and with that confidence we will celebrate, we will build, we will nurture and ensure that our beautiful country moves forward in confidence.”
The inaugural Guyana Festival, is aimed at bringing optimum awareness to the country’s diverse cultural heritage along with advertising the country’s tourism products has attracted a large international audience.
The Festival continues on Saturday night when patrons will be entertained with classic oldies at the night of legends concert which is expected to feature, local artistes including, Dave Martin, Sammy Baksh, Terry Gajraj, Johnny Braf, Teddy Jones, Hilton Hemerding, Celia Samaroo among others.
Another interesting aspect of this event is the Guyana Festival cricket match which will see the Master’s Team come up against the Presidents X1, featuring, famous names such as, Lennox Cush, Mahendra Nagamootoo, among others.
The Guyana Festival also showcases Guyana’s rich food, craft, and locally manufactured products to the world as the event has attracted a large international audience.
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