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‘Around the World’ expected to return
AS the Genesis X Utopia week of carnival events are set to commence next week, the ‘Around the World’ theme is expected to take centre stage for the upcoming carnival parade during Cricket Carnival later this year. The Guyana Carnival, birthed from Hits and Jams Entertainment, launched the ‘Around the World’ theme at the end of 2019 for its 2020 carnival celebrations. The Genesis Band launch in 2019 was done at the MovieTowne Guyana parking lot at an event titled, “Soca in The Parking Lot.” It was then that a preview of
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the costumes, named after various countries, were shown to the public. “Iceland,” “Egypt,” “Dubai,” “India,” “Thailand,” and “Brazil” were the sections then. These costumes were designed by local, regional and international designers. At that launch, the designers were tasked with adjusting the costumes to all body types in the sections. Since then, the Guyana Carnival did not return, until now, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. Determined to give patrons and See story on page 4A
Thailand’s section frontline costume for women.
The Dubai section frontline costume.
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A walk through Guyana’s independence celebrations
The 10 beauties who vied for the ‘Miss Independence Carnival’ crown in 1968 (Guyana Graphic) By Clestine Juan AT midnight on May 25, 1966, scores of Guyanese gathered at the Queen Elizabeth National Park (now the National Park) to cheer with joy and a new sense of nationhood as the United Kingdom’s Union Jack was lowered and Guyana’s Golden Arrowhead was raised to end more than 100 years of colonial rule and herald a new era. At another end of the country, veteran mountaineer Adrian Thompson led a party in the Pakaraima Mountains in western Guyana, and reached for the very first time the summit of Mount Ayanganna, where the Golden Arrowhead was also raised. Meanwhile, then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham and Opposition Leader Dr Cheddi Jagan, publicly embraced each other at the flag-raising ceremony, signalling their satisfaction that Guyana had finally gained its political independence. With the raising of the new flag, a carnival of colours from fireworks burst across the sky in various parts of the country. Then, around mid-morning, the State Opening of the Parliament of Guyana took place. It was preceded by a mili-
tary parade, accompanied by much pomp and pageantry. One of the highlights of the parade included the Water Pageant on the Demerara River and the Historical Pageant at the National Park. Some of the other events included carnival-style parties, exhibitions, float parades and public rallies Even then, the independence celebrations began four days before and continued until May 29. The Public Buildings and business places were brightly decorated with streamers and buntings bearing the colours of the Guyana flag. In 1966, when Guyana became an independent nation, the first-ever Mashramani celebration was held in the mining town of Linden, and was dubbed the “Independence Carnival.” When Guyana became a republic in 1970, a newly formed committee later changed the name to “Mashramani.” The unique name changes only added to the excitement for residents as the first ‘Mash’ on February 23, 1970, is said to have pulled one of the largest crowds in Linden. After realising how much attention Mashramani was getting, a government official had several discussions with the Jaycees Republican
Committee, the committee which was formed to organise ‘Mash’ in Linden, to take the event to the capital city, Georgetown. Approval was then grant-
ed by the then Prime Minister, the late Forbes Burnham, for Mashramani to be a national event for the republic celebrations. The approval saw ‘Mash’ activities rotated
among Linden, Berbice and Georgetown. However, in 2016, under the David Granger-led APNU+AFC government, the annual Mashramani cos-
tume and float parade was switched from February 23 to Independence Day, to accommodate the 50th Independence Anniversary celeSee story on pages 6A and 7A
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‘Around the World’ expected to... From page 2A
their regular supporters something to enjoy during the pandemic, the Guyana Carnival Committee engaged in several virtual events which were held, using the online conferencing platform, Zoom. The events were also streamed on various social media websites. The virtual fetes included the “Stag In Ya Ya r d ” event, a
pajama party, and an oldschool fete, which attracted scores of participants on the conferencing platform and even more viewers on the social media sites. The vision at that time was to create an environment for persons to have fun
from the comfort of their homes without the risk of contracting the dreaded disease. Among the virtual events hosted was the virtual masquerade parade, held on Independence Day 2020, aimed at creating a ‘vibe’ for persons to feel as though they were on the road in their exquisitely designed costumes. That virtual celebration
included live performances by local artistes, and a line up of DJs. Vi rtu al ev en t s were al s o h el d in 2021 as the pandemic continued spreading in countries
across the world; however, with the reduced COVID-19 cases and gradual reopening, the stage is set for events to be held along with a planned carnival parade set for
later this year. With the carnival parade, it is unclear whether more costume sections will be added for the upcoming parade. (Shamar Meusa)
Potential costume for the Egypt section’s frontline.
‘Genesis X Utopia’ launched
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— Kes, Patrice Roberts, Skeng, CKush, Shaneil Muir part of performance lineup By Shamar Meusa
THE ‘Genesis X Utopia’ events, expected to take place from May 25 to 29, were, on Wednesday, officially launched. At the corporate launch ceremony, held at the Herdmanston Lodge, Georgetown, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hits and Jams Entertainment, Rawle Ferguson, said they came up with the concept of carnival with the intention of bringing people and cultures together. To this end, he said that subsequent to meeting with President, Dr Irfaan Ali, the Hits and Jams team was made aware of the economic benefits of carnival, and the festival here. With this in mind, the Guyana Carnival was married to the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) tournament. The events, set for next week, are a precursor for
Kes
the Cricket Carnival events slated for the final quarter of this year. Kerwin Bollers, Direc-
tor of Hits and Jams, told those gathered at the launch that the entertainment company was excited to host
live events once again after being under social gathering restrictions for some two years. He said that without crowd limits, full-fledged live concerts and shows can now be held. The team, he continued, has put together six exciting events spread across five days. These events range from drinks-inclusive concerts, parties, ‘jouverts’, brunches, and more. Some of the events include the Touchdown Cooler fete to kick start the list of events, the El Dorado Stinging Nettles concert, ‘Baderation’ stage show, and ‘Stink X Dutty Jouvert’. Local artistes Gully Ras, cKush, Drew Thoven, Vanilla, Vicadi, Tony Cuttz, Heatwave and Fame bands will also be featured. For regional and international Artistes, Kes the Band will headline Stinging Nettles, Patrice Roberts
Shaneil Muir, one of the performers set to take the stage at the ‘Baderation’ concert
is slated to lead on the Touchdown cooler fete, and Dancehall artiste, Skeng, is to headline the ‘Baderation’
stage show. “We want Guyana to come out have a good time. It’s gonna (sic) be nice
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A walk through Guyana’s...
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A historic occasion for all Guyanese in 1966. Prime Minister Forbes Burnham is seen receiving from H.R.H the Duke of Kent, the instruments which made Guyana’s nationhood a reality
DOWN AND UP: Lights were dimmed as thousands of Guyanese watched the ceremony in 1966, when the Union Jack came down and the Flag of Guyana went up to herald the birth of the new nation. The two flags are seen touching each other on their respective journeys.
Members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) at Guyana’s first Independence Parade in 1966
A walk through Guyana’s...
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brations. Fast forward to present, not much has changed with the traditional weeks of activities remaining in full swing with private and open parties, float parades, ‘tramps’ around the city, and pageants throughout the country. For many Guyanese at home and abroad, this event will no doubt bring back memories of the joy and gladness first felt when the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted in 1966. Flag-Raising Ceremony Each year, on the eve of Guyana’s independence, a flag-raising ceremony is usually held at national venues in Guyana. This event is a two-part programme that is held on Independence Eve to usher in the festivities. The cultural part of the programme is a colourful, artistic mass display of dances to patriot-
ic and national songs, performed by young Guyanese. These participants represent the National School of Dance, religious groups, schools, regional choirs, and steel bands The ceremonial component includes a joint military band display, military parade, announcement of National Awards and performances. An address by the President is a staple, just before the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead and fireworks display by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). Float parade The float parade, in contemporary Guyana, was largely held on Republic Day, February 23. Each band uniquely presented creative, expressive floats and symbolic costumes which celebrate Guyana’s beauty. Also, there is the folktale Masquerade band featuring
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Mother Sally, Mad Cow, and others. Guyana’s carnival-styled parades reflect a plethora of colours as the revellers in the various bands snake their way through the streets of Georgetown battling for top prizes. Also, local designers and artists are given a chance to exhibit their creativity to showcase Guyana’s rich history and dynamic culture. Dancing to the sound of soca music, the revellers and bystanders who join along the parade route, gyrate through the streets, while others watch on from the sidelines to get a glimpse of the glittery costumes depicting different messages. For the patriotic Guyanese, parades are a time to revel and reflect. (This piece was compiled from stories and photos from the Guyana Chronicle archives)
The handing-over ceremony of the Guyana Independence Arch to the nation in 1966. It is a gift to the people of Guyana from the Demerara Bauxite Company (DEMBA)
The late Forbes Burnham and Cheddi Jagan publicly embraced each other at the 1966 Independence flag-raising ceremony
The late former President Dr Cheddi Jagan during the 1990 flag- raising ceremony at the National Park
Contestants of ‘Miss Independence of West Demerara’ pageant in 1966
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Plans ‘shaping up’ for cricket carnival
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GUYANA CHRONICLE BUZZ SUPPLEMENT Friday, May 20, 2022
President Ali during the official announcement of Cricket Carnival
By Naomi Parris AS the time draws inexorably closer to Guyana playing host to the inaugural Cricket Carnival and Hero CPL finals, word is that things are beginning to shape up for the grand celebration, slated for the final quarter of this year. In an interview with this newspaper, Public Relations officer (PRO) of the Ministry of Tourism Industry & Commerce Cordell McClure was happy to report that the
planning teams have been meeting, and things are “coming together pretty nicely”. In March of this year, President Irfaan Ali broke the exciting news that not only will Guyana be hosting the Hero CPL Finals from 2022 to 2024, but that the celebrations will also be held in tandem with a massive carnival-like event to mark the occasion. This Carnival will celebrate the best that Guyana has to offer the region and the rest of the world.
As President Ali observed when making the announcement back in March, “Cricket is much more than a game for us in Guyana; it is a passion; part of our culture, and a unifying force. As we celebrate ‘One Guyana’, the hosting of the CPL Finals will be an energising force. “We are building a product that will be spectator-focused, integrated with our regional partners for a global market. Cricket Carnival is a fusion of entertainment and
With a grand fusion of cricket and carnival, fluorescent costumes were on display at the official launch to give patrons a sneak peek of what to expect
Plans ‘shaping up’...
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Guyana’s Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond
Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr., President Ali, Minister Walrond, and Hero CPL’s Pete Russell
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Plans ‘shaping up’...
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President Ali with Hero CPL CEO Pete Russell
celebration that will be mind-blowing, and unbelievably different from any other global cricketing event. “We welcome all to the greatest celebration of music, pageantry, Caribbean
vibes with a South American touch, and, of course, Cricket played loudest.” To quote Pete Russell, Hero CPL’s CEO, “We are blessed with amazing fans across the Caribbean, and this is very clear whenever
we visit Guyana, where the atmosphere at Providence is electric. “The idea of having the Hero CPL finals in front of this wonderful crowd of passionate and knowledgeable cricket fans is a
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Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Dr K J Srinivasa, who is an avid cricket fan, celebrates at the announcement of cricket carnival (Adrian Narine photos)
mouth-watering prospect. “We are very grateful to have such a positive relationship with the government and cricket authorities in Guyana, and we thank them for helping us come to this hugely ex-
citing agreement.” Additionally, Guyana will host seven group games, three knockout matches, and the Hero CPL final which will take place on Friday, September 30 at the Guyana Na-
tional Stadium, at Providence. The Hero CPL finals will be the culmination of festivities surrounding these games taking place in Guyana.
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‘Genesis X Utopia’...
clean entertainment, great fun… We know that we’ve been in (sic) for a long time; we’ve been coming out piece by piece; but we’ll be coming out in full fledge come the 25th to the 29th,” Bollers said. Meanwhile, giving remarks at the launch was Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., who iterated that Guyana is a unique country and these events form a new direction that the Government of Guyana has established as part of the vision of creating the premier destination in the region. Minister Ramson said: “This event is one of the events that will form a new direction that the Government of Guyana has established as part of an overall vision of where we go of creating this premiere destination in the region for world class events.” Ramson said it was an important decision for Guyana to make as it relates to securing the CPL Finals and Semifinals, and
further pair it with Carnival to create the “Cricket Carnival” brand. Minister Ramson, who holds responsibility for youth, said as the country evolves, what must be understood is that life is meant to be enjoyed and citizens must be able to enjoy prosperity and success. Meanwhile, Director (ag.) of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh, commended the organisers of the Genesis X Utopia events, underscoring that this particular event will kickstart the journey towards the cricket carnival. Baksh expressed the GTA’s full support. The Genesis X Utopia lineup of events will begin on May 25 with the Touchdown Cooler Fete, and lead into the Stinging Nettles concert on May 26, Baderation stage show on May 27, and then two events for May 28, the Toga Party and ‘Stink X Dutty Jouvert’. The Soca and Wine event is set for May 29.
Patrice Roberts
cKush, Gully Ras and Drew Thoven.
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