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The Parrot Speaks…Cari…Cari…sad-you-gone

Sep 03, 2008 Features / Columnists

The Parrot was unavoidably absent from last Sunday’s edition. Blame it on the Akon concert. Well not just that; all of Carifesta X. With so many events, including super concerts (all free) to choose from, it was a case of, not only making the best of it, but ensuring that, as a personal dare, to clock as many as possible. And boy, did I clock.
I clocked till it wasn’t necessary to have a clock. Clocks became useless once the party started at the Stadium. It was getting down low “till fore day mawnin’ come”. It was action non-stop from dusk to dawn. Those who named Dawn seemed more reluctant to leave when the MC said “party done” even though the clock said 05:00h and the good ole’ sun started to peep.
While Carifesta X will be forever etched in the annals of our history for its homecoming and grand success, the super concerts have a similar destination in the minds of those who attended. Who would have thought that here in Guyana three mega events with such artistes like Mr. Vegas, Biggie Irie, Rupee, The Tradewinds, Ricky Jai, Adesh Samaroo, Heralall Rampertap and Akon would have been free to attend? Who would have thought that these three events in addition to three others including two religious super concerts would have happened in the same week? Who would have thought it would have happened in Guyana?
Well thanks to Uncle Bharrat for Carifesta X, it did. The Stadium was indeed the centre of attraction. People from all walks gravitated to savour the flavour of what was offered. The now parched outfield, well dead grass, not as a result of the good ole’ sun, is testimony to the numbers that flocked and partied on the once lush green turf. Not that anybody is unduly bothered.
The Stadium proved its worth and Uncle Bharrat has been vindicated for his decision a few years ago for its construction. It is the Bird’s Nest of Guyana. How say you naysayer? Some of you said our country didn’t need this and couldn’t have afforded it. Well you have been proven wrong.
Guyana was set on a new path of international recognition with its bid to host Super Eight matches for Cricket World Cup 2007.
A successful bid and a vibrant and visionary Uncle Bharrat motivated the nation. This led to an unprecedented phase of construction; the Stadium, hotels and homes refurbished and remodelled for the bed and breakfast programme. The Rio Summit, Cricket World Cup, the Commonwealth Finance Ministers Conference and Carifesta X all followed. Guyana was basically in the international spotlight for the past eighteen months, and despite the hiccups and the naysayers, we delivered. Hats off to all those who worked to make it happen. We are a proud people.
From all the talks, some people are sad that the festival done. Some would like for it to be more frequent here. While it may not be a reality since other countries in the region have to be afforded the same privileges, a la CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting, what Guyana did was to, as Uncle Bharrat said, “breathe new life into the festival”. While it’s heading to the Bahamas (who incidentally opted out and caused Uncle Bharrat to step in), Antigua has indicated its interest in hosting.
The urgency is now there, again thanks to Guyana. We did it, and yes it’s no dream; the alarm clock is ringing. Get up. Squawk! Squawk!

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