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Caribbean?”

would help budding actors and those who would mentor young actors. That is precisely why I would applaud persons like Mahadeo Shivraj and Bunny Alves. These are iconic personalities that need to be recognised and supported, and awarded by real recognition.

Brown Sugar, too Bitter for me, Part Two (The Oil Dream) is a most topical movie. It is filled with action, comedy, and the realism of Guyanese life that has to do with a variety of human issues that we need to face.

The acting that I saw by people without any kind of training has been such an inspiration to me. Freddie Kissoon of the Freddie Kissoon/Gildarie Show was in total amazement at what he saw: the production skills; the directing skills of Mahadeo Shivraj; the acting skills of us, the local actors, has truly exposed the reality that Guyana can become what would be called the “Guyawood.” And with some support from Government -- encouragement from the Government, financial and otherwise -- we could create our “Guyawood” in Guyana.

This is the dream of Mahadeo Shivraj and of my friend Bunny Alves. I have worked with both producers and directors, and I know their dedication and skill; how they would take little and go far. I know Bunny Alves would start with zero dollars, as I would say, and create a production of class. At times very educational, as for example in the case of Bunny Alves: “The Unbelieving Mon.” Which brought out the problem of child abuse by stepfathers, which is a reality in this country.

At that time, I had suggested to the Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Clement Rohee, and Chairman of the National Commission of Law and Order that the Government should buy the rights to this movie. It is a movie of just half an hour’s duration, and could be taken around this country to be shown publicly and in schools. Persons could also have been given the right and freedom to just copy it, view it, and sell it. The Minister was very interested, but the group never got the chance to view the movie, sadly!

Above, I asked: “Where are your Heroes, Caribbean?” and this is the name of a song by the Caribbean Superstar Mighty Sparrow. And so I am asking both the current and former Government of Guyana, “Where are your heroes, Guyana?”

We need to extol our people Look at the applause and the recognition extended to Letitia Wright of the Wakanda Forever Film. I applaud her. I am proud of her. I am joyful that she got the recognition of our President and the Government, being a Guyanese citizen who has done so well overseas. What about our Mahadeo Shivraj? What about us local actors here in Guyana, who are sacrificing and giving of our talents, and many times for free, just to create this industry.

Brother Freddie Kissoon suggested that the Government of Guyana should buy some rights into the movie, and should show it throughout the country, so people could see the movie, get entertainment, and become patriotic. I am sug- gesting that one day they could show it in the Stabroek Market Square, another day by the Band Stand, where Hon. First Lady did a miracle overhaul and create a beautiful atmosphere. It could be a beautiful, pleasant atmosphere of joy, peace, love and harmony. The Police Band could play some music in the beginning; there could be an introduction; and First Lady, at this showing, could be the Honoured Guest.

Mr. Freddie Kissoon shared his idea, but I am extolling the idea and taking it to another level. It could be shown in Linden, in the Big Park opposite Town Hall one evening. It could be shown in Essequibo, two places at the two ends of Essequibo. Let the people see the skills of Guyanese. Let us develop the acting dreams of our youths, whether it be for a hobby or a career. Let us bring opportunities in Guyana, so that we can have these kinds of ambitions for our youths. An ambition through which they could survive and live – all across the Caribbean. It could also be shown in Corriverton, Upper Corentyne; in Port Mourant, in the Public Square; Black Bush Polder; one in New Amsterdam, to cater for the persons in the country, to showcase our skilled stars. The Government can pay a certain amount to Mahadeo Shivraj to compensate him for his actors, his costs, and to give him some profitability. Governments spend all kinds of money on all sorts of ventures; sometimes, in my opinion, in areas that are unnecessary. This is something that could really be good for Guyana.

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