March 15, 2011
GCA Folk and Culture Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. Sponsors of Guyana Folk Festival
Volume 1, Issue 1
The Guyana Cultural Association (GCA) of NY has a new President
GCA’s new President
MoBraf’s award
Phagwah Day Parade
Tennicia Award
GCA’s Summer events
Cynthia Nelson’s cookbook NY launch
Mother’s Day Dinnner theatre
Chuckle Comedy Corner
by Edgar Henry Dr. Vibert Cambridge, Ph.D professor at Ohio University was recently elected president of GCA. His name is well known by most Guyanese in the cultural arena. Over the years he has been visible in the educational heritage of Guyana, the Caribbean and by extension in global circles. Dr. Cambridge brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and skills to the organization. He is no stranger to GCA since he served as a board member for umpteen years. He teaches courses in communication for social change and international communication in the school of media Arts and Studies. Despite the fact that he published several books papers and articles he is very innovative and exercises development of thought and good decisions making, which would auger well towards the onward projection of the Guyana Cultural Association. His vision for GCA is one of
“I enjoyed the meetings with the GCA family in New York and in Guyana. They are energizing. It was a clear demonstration that the New York base is solid and energized. There is excitement in the air.”
Dr.Vibert Cambridge unity which coincides with the peculiar slogan slated for this year - our tenth anniversary which states “Aal Bady, Waan Bady.” This expression may not be readily accepted unless understood. It simply translates to “Every individual should pool all resources as one resource” or in other words everyone is equal and we should work together as one component in unity.
He added, “Among the ideas explored with Maggie Lawrence in Georgetown, potential elements in GCA's 10th anniversary activities in Guyana are: an Awards Ceremony; a secondary schools symposium on the theme "Arrival, Encounter and Exchange"; an exhibition, including a display of photographs to be curated by Godfrey Chin; and the relaunching of the Guyana National Folk Festival.” He continued, “Our 10th anniversary program is shaping up to be a significant moment. (contd .on pg 2)
After his recent trip to Guyana and at a welcoming party held in his honor in Brooklyn he said
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to the first edition of the Guyana Cultural Association- Folk Festival Newsletter. With your support and guidance, our mission to Preserve, Promote and Propagate of culture, will be achieved through our programs, and the spirit of this year’s theme "Aal bady, waan bady" As we embark upon the planning of our 10th Anniversary of events, let us reflect - on the excitement we enjoyed during these past
years celebrating our rich multicultural heritage – and strive to better nurture our culture that unites us as a people. Throughout this newsletter you will be enthralled by some of Guyana’s most talented artists and their extraordinary achievements. You will read about a rousing reception to welcome our new president, Dr. Vibert Cambridge, our youth award recipient Tenecia DeFretas who made us 1
proud when she captured two calypso titles in the 2011 Mashramani Monarch competition - and the launch of Cynthia Nelson’s book of Guyanese cuisine, that is receiving rave reviews. Our theme, ‘Aal bady, Waan Bady’ allows for showcasing and celebrating a rich tradition. The Guyana Folk Festival season will demonstrate our rich heritage, and will explore, display and supports its possibilities.” (contd .on pg 2)