Guyana_Chronicle_Cricket_Carnival_Supplement_09_16_2022

Page 1

2A BUZZ CRICKET CARNIVAL SUPPLEMENET FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

Robbie Singh and his fiancée Sandra Bernal (Robbie Singh photo)

In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Singh

we get 2,000 people attending in costumes,” he said.

PREPPED and ready for the non-stop fusion of fiery cricket hype, good vibes and energy, along with the blend of people and cultures, the Pulse En tertainment team is set for this year’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 games and the Cricket Carnival 2022 fes tivities.

With its Pulse Warriors band as well as its customised Pulse Warriors cricket party stand at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), the team promises cricket fans and parade-goers an unfor gettable experience.

BUZZ CRICKET CARNIVAL SUPPLEMENET FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022 3A

By Shari Simon

He went on to explain that there are three costume themes for the carnival bands.

disclosed that merging aspects of the cricket and party atmospheres with the need to support the team, help to draw attention to the coun try’s abundant cultural diversity and open earning opportunities that will boost the entertainment, tourism and hospitality sectors.

In addition to this, the reg istration price for the frontline and backline costumes begins at US$50 or GY$10,000 and the costumes carry a very import ant person (VIP) all-inclusive package that includes breakfast and lunch, snacks on the road, premium drinks and champagne, party truck(s) with DJs and mega sound systems, on-site paramed ics, lunch and a rest stop at the Tribe Gastronomic Lounge, to name a few. There is also a male and female carnival kit for per sons without costumes that costs US$150 or Furthermore,GY$30,000.hepointed out that the VIP Pulse Warriors party stand at the National Stadium provides the ambience and ame nities that will undoubtedly give a “wow” experience to cricket fans attending the CPL games. According to Singh, some of the amenities that the party stand has include lounge couches, cocktail tables, air conditioning units, washroom facilities, an area to mingle, cuisine and beverage bars, cocktails, photograph opportu nities, customer service, security personnel and loads of entertain ment. The prices for tickets start at US$150.Meanwhile, tickets for the semi-final game each cost US$225 or GY$45,000 and tickets for the final game cost US$275 or GY$55,000. “It’s just having clean fun and you get to watch the best part of the game,” he remarked.Having sound knowledge and understanding of the local enter tainment industry has provided Singh, along with his team that comprises of his fiancée, Sandra Bernal and disc jockey (DJ) Ryan, with the dedication and determi nation to engage in tedious plan ning and logistics arranging, to ensure the “look and feel of every thing” is great. He also attributed his drive to achieve success to his

Singh along with Bernal own the Tribe Gastronomic Lounge on Church Street, Georgetown, which fuses food, music and quality ambience. It is known as one of the best city restaurants and

Forbars.Singh, creating the per fect entertainment and celebration experience for patrons involves putting together new and relevant themes, designs and ideas that will give people their value for money.

THE MAN BEHIND THE BANDAt 16 years old, Singh’s love for video games led him to start a gaming arcade and, subsequently, he opened a video rental club called ‘Movietown’ on South Road.Fast forward to 12 years later, he established Pulse Entertain

ment, an umbrella company for Pulse Rentals, that focuses on coordinating and hosting differ ent events including rental of equipment, layout of the décor, setting-up of lighting and sound systems and ensuring that the event was well-structured.

— Pulse CEO talks up carnival band, party stand for CPL T20 and Cricket Carnival 2022

tume is white and the ivy-themed costume is a mixture of blue and green. Each theme also draws on the concept of birds and mythical winged creatures to depict the Phoenix, Pegasus and Peacock, respectively, he said.

mother, Farida Plummer, who was instrumental in giving him the necessary support and guidance throughout the Additionally,years.Singh also com mended President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s vision to advance the creative industry in Guyana and his com mitment toward transforming the national economy that will see Guyana hosting the CPL finals for the next three years.

As the cricket and carnival spirit takes wind across the coun try, Caribbean and international shores, the aim of the Pulse team, together with Tribe Gastronomic Lounge, is to make the specta cle of wonderful celebrations worthwhile. From the vibrant, colourful costumes for a plethora of joyful masqueraders to take on the parade festivities on October 2, 2022, to the comfortable ambi ence of the party stand that offers a spectacular view of the games, cricket fans, particularly those supporting the Guyana Amazon Warriors team, will definitely get to enjoy the matches played on home soil from September 21 to September 30, 2022, including the finals.Atthe heart of the Pulse brand’s ingenuity is Robbie Singh.

With the streets of Guyana becoming abuzz with antici pation and excitement for the CPL T20 games and Cricket Carnival 2022, the Pulse team remains intent on always stay ing true to its tagline, ‘keeping it alive.’

“In this industry, you have to stay trending,” he noted.

In the coming years, he is planning to expand the facility and even venture into the real estate part of the brand.

He indicated that Pulse En tertainment was contracted to do an Old Year’s night event at the Savannah Suite, Pegasus Hotel, many years ago and that motivat ed him to invest in changing the local entertainment scene and the way people viewed the night life in Guyana.Thecompany has done over 300 events to date that span con certs with Machel Montano and Kes the Band, VIP events for West Indies, fetes, and previous Mashramani celebrations with trucks and masquerader bands, to name a “Onefew.of our signature events that really gave us fame was our Thriller Halloween Party. It’s one of the biggest Halloween parties in the Caribbean and sometimes

“In keeping with the ‘One Guyana’ theme, we went with a variety of colours that puts togeth er the Amazon Warriors and Pulse in our band and party stand,” said Singh, who is the CEO at Pulse Entertainment.Headded: “I am definitely appreciative of the design that we ended up with this year - Suada, Ivy and AccordingScarlet.”to Singh, the scar let-themed costume is red in colour, the suada-themed cos

The Scarlet, Suada and Ivy themed costumes for the Pulse Warriors band (Pulse Carnival photo)

“The support that we are get ting from the government to grow and build is really phenomenal and thanks to the President for having this vision and getting the finals to Guyana that is a big step and we all know Guyana is a big cricket fan,” he emphasised.

‘We will give cricket fans the experience of a lifetime’

4A BUZZ CRICKET CARNIVAL SUPPLEMENET FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

16, following a two-year hiatus due to PresidentCOVID-19.Ali officially launched the Cricket Carni val and the Caribbean Premier League 2022 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, on March 30, 2022.

BUZZ CRICKET CARNIVAL SUPPLEMENET FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022 5A

HIS Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali in March announced that Guyana will be hosting the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) semi-finals and finals for the next three years.

He said the most sought-af ter event will not be limited to bat-and-ball sessions, but a host of organised events to promote massive camaraderie between participants, thus ensuring the “One Guyana” banner is upheld.

His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali shares a light moment with Hero CPL Chief Executive Officer Pete Russel (DPI photo)

Deemed the biggest party in sport, the electrifying CPL series of cricket will return to Guyana’s shores on September

“A journey in which we are building not only sectors, but we are building communities, bring people together, we are unifying our country, and there is no bet ter way than through sports and culture,” His Excellency said.

And, noting that the game is about good and healthy compe tition, and that great celebration must be the final result, Presi dent Ali promised that Guyana will ensure that the objective is realised.“We want the nation to be prosperous, and we are building something here to bring the re gion together,” the Head of State

in the rich and diverse cultures, getting in tune with nature in our remote regions, or exploring the built heritage or city vibes here in the coast,” the tourism minister pointed out.

Alongside the cricket tour naments, there will be a plethora of options for entertainment and recreational activities to choose from. The offering includes music festivals, cultural shows, Soca competition, road march competition and organised tours.

Minister of Tourism, In dustry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond said Guyana stands ready to host the much-antici pated sport, and Soca festival that holds much promise for the showcasing and development of local“Destinationproducts.

Guyana is poised to welcome travellers from across the globe and the re gion for this mega event, which will help to lift our tourism industry to new heights. We are putting Guyana on show for all to see our authentic experiences, whether it is immersing yourself

Meanwhile, CPL’s Chief Executive Officer Pete Russell said a talent search will be held to identify some of Guyana’s finest entertainers who will perform during the nightly games. (DPI)

In high spirits, the President said the fusion of cricket and

carnival in Guyana will be a product that will lead the future of the sporting world.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson said the remarkable concept of the two-week event demonstrates the stellar vision and extraordi nary leadership of the President.

The minister underscored that sport has been a global unifier, noting that the effort to launch the event is another push towards the new “One Guyana” the government wants to achieve.

told the large crowd.

Guyana to host CPL semi-finals, finals for the next three years – President Ali

A section of the crowd during the CPL launch at the National Stadium, Providence (DPI photo)

He added that the previ ous focus was on repairing the damage done to the tour

increase in traffic,” FieldForsaid.the first half of the Year 2022, a total of 145,654 passengers were seen entering the country through the CJIA. These numbers were predicted to in crease in the second half of the year.

AHEAD of the Cricket Carnival celebrations, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony has urged that personal responsibility and vaccination are key to keeping the spread of COVID-19 down.

is scheduled to be here for two weeks (Sep tember 16 to October 2), promises to be an attractive affair, con sidering the level of preparation, increased private sector engage ment, and etacrossholdersinclusionmeaningfulofstakeinGuyanaandtheCaribbean.Thisyear,CrickCarnivalwillbea

6A BUZZ CRICKET CARNIVAL SUPPLEMENET FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

fusion of sports and culture.With Guyana boasting a ‘eco-tourism’uniquepackage,thecountry’sresortsandmaintouristsites,liketheKaieteurFalls,willalsoseeincreasedtraffic.Guyana’shostingoftheregionaleventcomesatatimewhenthecountrywillalso

ism and hospitality industry. Now, the GTA is zeroing in on the provision of tour ism-based services.

With Guyana boasting a unique ‘eco-tourism’ pack age, the country’s resorts and main tourist sites, like Kaieteur Falls, can expect increased traffic.

opments and boost tourists’ experiences.WithGuyana hosting the country’s first-ever Cricket Carnival, visitors will have the opportunity to experience in abundance a dynamic mix of entertainment and exqui site culinary experiences all wrapped around an inter national sporting event that is the pride and joy of the Caribbean.Cricket Carnival is geared to be a multicultural annual event as Guyana is set to host the CPL finals for the next three years.

This is according to Director-General

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and the Ministry of Tourism, along with the Ministry of Home Affairs are already in action, as they are in preparation for this ‘Mega’ event.

istry can advise from a public health perspec tive as it relates to what can be However,done. he said that ultimately, indi viduals have to take the necessary precautions to keep themselves safe.

However, the mainly theoretical approach could, in part, be attributed to the COVID-19 protocols, most of which were still in place last “…weyear. were still in re cover mode. Last year, our focus was on repairing. We had hygiene and sanitation training then. Now, it’s about getting businesses ready for the world. We believe that with these trainings, busi nesses will be prepared,” Baksh noted.

‘Be responsible, stay safe’

As a result, the GTA has been in collaboration with immigration services, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, as well as small business owners, proprietors, CJIA, taxi drivers, hotels, restau rants, and Guyana’sbars.tourism indus try has made tremendous progress over the years, pro curing numerous opportuni ties to boost businesses in the sector, as well as providing training to anyone desirous of pursuing a career in hospi tality. The GTA is responsible for developing and expanding sustainable tourism through collaboration to maximise local socio-economic devel

be celebrating Am erindian Heritage Month.

The 11th Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), which

This was disclosed by the Deputy Director of GTA, Kamrul Baksh, during an in terview with this newspaper on August 16, 2022.

“I know that the management at the airport has been pre paring for the in crease, and from the CAA’s part, the air port is ready and ca pable of handling the

As such, Dr. Antho

— Civil Aviation head says

The Minister recent ly spoke to members of the media on the side lines of an event where he was asked about a specific health plan to keep the spread of COVID-19 or Monkey pox down, considering

the number of tourists expected to come here.

of the Guyana Civ il Aviation Authori ty (GCAA), Egbert Field, who said his agency is looking for ward to the increase.

ment, financial management, culinary arts, housekeeping, among others, by the end of 2022.To date, 1,065 persons across the 10 administrative regions have completed train ing Duringprogrammes.the interview, Baksh explained that while

As such, he men tioned that there are still a number of vac cines available for COVID-19 here, and people should come forward to receive them. He added that most Guyanese have re

SEVERAL training pro grammes organised by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) for persons in the tourism, hospitality and ser vice industry are well un derway, just in time for the upcoming Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) games and Cricket Carnival.

ceived first and second doses, but have yet to return for their booster doses.“We haven’t seen a lot of people taking booster doses, so that’s important for people to do, especially if you are going to be in crowded areas, and you don’t know if the other per son has any disease,”

Hospitality workers prepared for CPL, Cricket Carnival

Guyana ready for Cricket Carnival traffic

As the events are coming up, he men tioned that he would want to urge persons to

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony (Delano Williams photo)

Dr. Anthony said.

–Health Minister advises public ahead of Cricket Carnival

ny noted that persons have to be individually,responsible,asthemin

the training is mainly theo retical at present, the GTA is in discussion to shift towards a hybrid approach, where practical sessions can be in tegrated with the current ones for a more thorough learning experience.“People can’t learn only with theory. While you have

WITH the expect ed traffic increase in September, due to Guyana hosting its inaugural Cricket Carnival, the Cheddi Jagan Internation al Airport (CJIA) has already put measures in place to handle the increased traffic.

to have the fundamentals, you need to get your hands dirty. If it’s [something] cu linary, you can’t just read about it; you have to actually do it, in a kitchen,” he said.

be boosted to protect themselves.

The programmes were coined in 2021, as part of an ongoing effort to enhance the quality of service ex pected by tourists and will see some 3,000 Guyanese receiving training in hygiene and sanitation, mixology, tour guiding, events manage

In relation to Mon keypox, he stated that persons should avoid contact with infected animals, avoid con tact with bedding and other materials con taminated with the virus. Persons should wash and sanitise their hands frequent ly, and also avoid con tact with persons who may be infected with the virus.

Deputy Director of GTA, Kamrul Baksh

Flashback: Guyana Carnival 2018

BUZZ CRICKET CARNIVAL SUPPLEMENET FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022 7A

8A BUZZ CRICKET CARNIVAL SUPPLEMENET FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022 Line-up of entertainment events for Cricket Carnival

Police ranks being briefed about security arrangements for cricket (Guyana Police Force photo) Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ (ag), Ravindradat Budhram, briefs ranks (Guyana Police Force photo)

DEPUTY Commissioner ‘Operations’ (ag), Ravindradat Budhram, along with Commander of Regional Division 4 ‘A’, Assistant Commissioner Simon McBean and Commander of Division 4 ‘C’, Assistant Commissioner Khali Parshram, on Thursday, met with ranks within the Guyana Police Force to discuss and finalise preparations for the upcoming Cricket Carnival, which will be held in Guyana from September 16 to October 2, 2022. Through its official Facebook page, the force said that during the meeting which was held at the Officers’ Training Centre, Budhram briefed the police ranks who will be performing duties at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, during the much-anticipated CPL Cricket matches.

BUZZ CRICKET CARNIVAL SUPPLEMENET FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022 9A

Security arrangements set for Cricket Carnival season

10A BUZZ CRICKET CARNIVAL SUPPLEMENET FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

is also a personal athletics train er and ex-national French athlete is adamant that running the service also allows him to contribute

EESA Bed and Breakfast residence (Mark Carbon photo)

‘Bed and Breakfast’ provider aims to offer tourists an unforgettable stay in Guyana

and www.airbnb.com

One of the six bedrooms (Mark Carbon photo)

The living room area (Mark Carbon photo)

toward strengthening the local tourism and hospital ity sectors.“People coming to Guy ana want an adventure they can experience for them selves or with family,” em phasised the 57-year-old

As the country prepares for the CPL cricket games and calendar of festivi ties for the country’s first Cricket Carnival, Carbon wants to ensure that tourists pick EESA Bed and Break fast and make Guyana their number one destination to visit.

SET on an expansive landscape with modest green lawns complement ed by flowers and fruit trees, the EESA Bed and Breakfast (B&B) resi dence at 123 4th Street, Block C, Goedverwag ting, East Coast Demer ara (ECD), will offer lux urious accommodations and quality customer ser vice to the tourists who will be in Guyana for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) games and Cricket Carnival 2022.

“It’s a beautiful place!” he remarked.Carbon,who

Carbon.Ata time when thou sands of people from the Caribbean and international community will be enjoy ing the country’s diverse wonders, his principal mis sion is to attract guests and get people to return.

During a recent in terview with the Guyana Chronicle, the Manager of the residence which is also a part of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA)’s B&B initiative, Mark Eze kiel Carbon stated that his passion for cooking and sports inspired him to create a hospitable space that will provide endless opportunities to experi ence new cuisines, culture and the spectacular cricket games in a “home away fromHehome”.disclosed that the decision to invest in a bed and breakfast service was a collaborative agreement between himself and the proprietor who resides overseas.Thewell-furnished res idence is adorned with six bedrooms, one private bal cony, two kitchens, four bathrooms, two living

Carbon shared that he started the initiative ap proximately a year ago after COVID-19 presented several challenges to his work as a chef.

him to not only connect with different tourists but also work toward follow ing rules and regulations, staying up-to-date on trends and implementing relevant measures to carry out nec essary upgrades that will make tourists happy and comfortable.Moreover, Carbon re vealed that EESA has be come his business brand as he also runs a non-profit company called Ezekiel Elite Sports Academy that he opened to train and ed ucate young athletes in

Carbon went on to ac knowledge the efforts of the Backyard Café and Train Master Teams in providing him with the support he needed to create the ambi ance and level of comfort that can let tourists have an exceptional and memorable stay at the residence.

For more information, persons can contact Car bon on telephone number 592-601-2546 or they can visit www.stabroektravel. com

In the future, he plans to grow his team, add more properties to his business and partner with local busi ness from different sectors to offer specialised travel packages to guests.

He indicated that the rates per night range from US$45 to US$60 (ap proximately GY$9,000 to GY$10,000).“Theroom without a veranda is US$45, the one with a veranda is US$50 and the one with a private

By Shari Simon

Full view of the residence (Mark Carbon photo)

Guyana.“Ieducate youngsters in the world of athletics… and I try to make them un derstand the mentality and the philosophy behind the whole game,” he noted.

Mark Ezekiel Carbon

bathroom is US$60,” Car bonAdditionally,highlighted. in order to promote the B&B resi dence, Carbon utilises sev eral travel and accommo dation websites that allow

rooms, a gym area and a gardenCarbonspace.mentioned that additional amenities for convenience include highspeed WiFi connection, hot water and cold water valves, ironing equipment, a washing and drying ma chine along with tours ac companied by Train Master tour guides to Backyard Café, restaurants and city shops, services of a mas sage therapist and access to his athletics facility.

BUZZ CRICKET CARNIVAL SUPPLEMENET FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022 11 A

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.