The smells of Guyanese delicacies, infectious music, and nice temperatures on Sept. 1 had been the proper parts to carry the twenty fourth Annual Guyana People Pageant weekend of festivities to a memorable ending.
The spectacular 2024 season included a Summer season Workshop Collection, an Awards Dinner, and a Kwe Kwe demonstration. It opened with President Ave Marie Brewster-Haynes paying tribute to the late Government Director of GCA, Claire Ann Goring. A choreography for the late nice icon adopted that.
Musician Gavin Mendonca then sang hits penned by the late nice entertainer Dave Martins. The 2 Guyanese, whose contributions span a long time, have left an indelible mark within the hearts of the Guyanese.
Previous President of GCA, Dr. Vibert Cambridge, joined drummers Winston Jaggae Hoppy and Akoyaw Rudder to pour libation whereas drumming to honor Goring. A becoming sequence by SMS dancers additionally remembered the dearly departed cultural icon.
Hosted by viral Tick-Tock sensation Diamond Pure, the Essential Stage was on fireplace with dwell leisure. Queens-based Angels Caribbean Band, that includes Gita Bisram, accompanied artists.
Soca Monarch 2023 and hitmaker Adrian Dutchin introduced the viewers to the entrance of the stage for a riveting efficiency, singing the favored hit “I am a Guyanese,” amongst different songs. Chutney Soca artist Terry Gajraj additionally gave a spirited rendition of his favourite track, “Guyana Baboo.”
The celebration continued with performances by Soca Monarch 2024, Carlvin Burnett, choreographies by Demerara Boys, Distinctive Arts, and the Joro Dance Firm. Drumming by Drums 4 Life aroused the spirits of the celebration.
Guyanese and Caribbean nationals, most of them dressed to impress in nationwide colours, packed Previous Boys and Women Excessive Faculty grounds in Crown Heights for the tradition on the household enjoyable day.
Distributors littered the circumference of the spacious lawns, busy attending to patrons who bought tee shirts, leather-based items, merchandise, and meals. From black and white pudding to numerous forms of rice dishes and drinks, even shaved ice, a childhood favourite again residence, was a should in the course of the sunny climate.
What was most heartwarming, although, had been the nationals who laughed collectively, hugged one another, shook palms, and slapped one another on the again in a pleasant gesture, all within the spirit of camaraderie.
Nationals felt nostalgic, as many who had traveled from throughout America to get pleasure from Guyana’s multicultural heritage had been joyful to see their nation’s folks after a few years.
Cornel Ferdinand, a former radio broadcaster and longtime patron of the competition, advised Caribbean Life that he loves what the Guyana Cultural Affiliation (GCA) is doing and has completed by means of the years.
“Hopefully, it’s going to get higher and higher with every passing 12 months.” He recommends that elements of the competition be hosted exterior of the New York space, like Washington. “Perhaps it can finally occur,” stated Ferdinand.
African Drummer Winston “Jeggae” Hoppy stated he has stayed with GCA over the previous 20 years as a result of he enjoys entertaining audiences. “I additionally take part within the Summer season Collection Workshop (SMS), he shared, noting that the competition enjoyable day is the place nationals can come and revel in their tradition.
“If you wish to get pleasure from a very good Guyanese tradition of music, arts, dance, and household togetherness, that is the place to be,” stated Jaggae.
Claire Patterson-Monah stated, “We’re right here to share the tradition, and the one means we are able to do that’s by sharing it with the younger youngsters to allow them to have a deep understanding of what our Guyanese tradition is all about.” The longstanding govt member reiterated the 2024 theme: Hope, Concord, and Continuity.
Alex Neptune stated, “We love Guyana, and yearly, the enjoyable day grows and will get higher as a result of folks know that GCA places on a top-rated present. Guyanese folks and other people from the Caribbean love the music, meals, and various things we do right here.
Consul Basic Ambassador E. Brotherson stated this reporter has at all times been a very good consultant of the diaspora in New York to unfold the Guyanese phrase, including, “GCA has at all times made us proud by organizing this vital occasion yearly, and the federal government has at all times supported the diaspora occasions, together with the household enjoyable day.”
He applauded Ministers Oneidge Walron and Susan Rodrigues for touring from Georgetown to characterize the federal government on the occasion and famous that he had an exquisite day assembly with nationals and taking part within the celebration.
The Guyana Cultural Affiliation NY, Inc. thanks beneficiant sponsors Laparkan Delivery, DemVillage, Guyana Undiscovered Division of Youth & Neighborhood Improvement, Sybil’s, Mike Yansen Enterprises, Tutorial Help Group, MetroPlus Well being, One Guyana, MSN Air Service, RDEPROS, and the entire distributors, and patrons for his or her help.
