2009 Independence programme colourful, but lukewarm

May 27, 2009 News

The 2009 Independence programme hosted at the National Park on Monday night was colourful and reasonably impressive, but for some reason lacked the intense festive sparkle and jubilation associated with this event in years gone by.
While it was noted that much more could have been done in terms of decorating the venue to reflect ‘the feeling of independence’, the event was however significantly hyped with the efforts of MC Mondale Smith who managed to keep the audience entertained.

Lady Tempest of the Creation Expression Band entertains the audience.

The cultural presentation in which all tried their best to impress was just a bit short of magnificent, but the majority of the items presented on stage found favour with the huge audience.
While at last year’s event there was flat screen television to allow for proper viewing of the proceedings in every stand, this year around there was a single large screen in the south stands much to the disappointment of persons occupying the stands without ‘this little luxury’.
Long before 21:00 hrs the seats in the park were filled to capacity. There was a colourful melee of bustling bodies eagerly awaiting what was on the night’s platter.
Apex Academy presentation of a medley of Filmi in dances was a scene-stealer as pretty young females sashayed, twirled and glided across the stage, to the stirring strums of Filmi music. The colourful costumes stayed in perfect harmony with the tropical shades of the Caribbean and when the performers left stage the audience was caught up by their performance.
They made way for the reigning HIV/AIDS Song Competition champion, Young Bill Rogers, who demonstrated his vocal and calypso supremacy when he belted out ‘We Still ah Paradise’.
Things rose to a screaming crescendo when the Dance Fanatic Dancers took to the stage to perform their ‘Cookup’ masterpiece. The crowd roared in delight as the dancers excellently executed a fusion of Interpretive, Indian classical, African, Latin, and Dancehall routines that brought the many cultures to the venue in rich, reverberating representations.

Popular local dancer, Sandella Craig performs an impressive Indian dance.

Next up was famous belly dancer turned singer, Sandella Craig, whose presentation of an Indian dance could barely be described as anything but exotic.
The Creation Expression Band set the correct atmosphere when it belted out a medley of folk songs that had audience either swaying or singing along. ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’ was followed by ‘Goodnight Hey’, ‘Chi-chi-lai-lai’ and many others.
Unleashing an acapella invasion next was the Circle of Love, an all-male song group who performed ‘My Native Land’ and a gospel piece titled ‘I am in His care’.
The members’ vocal abilities and melody áre said to be unmatched in the land; at least that is the view of many who attended the event.
The crowd cheered loudly with the arrival of the GDF Military Band clad in striking, white, green, black and red apparel that gave them that ‘independence sparkle’. There were, too, representatives of the Guyana Police Force.
The military groups took their position on the tarmac and minutes later Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds arrived at the National Park, led by police outriders. Not long after the President, Bharrat Jagdeo, entered and made ready to inspect the second half of the ceremonial parade and guard of honour.
Right after the Annandale Mixed Choir (of Annandale Secondary School) did a splendid job as they serenaded the gathering with ‘Salute to Guyana’ and ‘We Hail thee Guyana’.
After another dance by the Apex Academy, the Circle of Love Singers returned to perform ‘This is Guyana’, before making way for the Creation Expression Band members who executed a pulsating session of folk renditions inclusive of ‘Bamboo Fire’, ‘Bembee, Bembee’ and many others.
Local songbird, Jessica Xavier, stole the hearts of the audience when she executed a melodious and soul stirring rendition of her original, ‘Guyana Child’.
During the President’s speech the crowd grew restless and only calmed when several youth organizations under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports came together to ignite a dazzling grand finale as they danced and pranced around the tarmac, igniting ‘independence’ in clashing colors representing the tropical beauty of the Caribbean.
Numbering about 70, the dancers were drawn from the National School of Dance, Kingston, David Rose and Queenstown Community High Schools, and several other institutions. Artistic costumes blended with glitter, even as fabric was accentuated to depict a startling tropical allure.
Masks and spandex were creatively put to use as the dancers performed ‘United we Are’ to the appreciative audience.
Some dancers forgot their routines and confusion was evident, but this was erased as the National School of Dance took over executing some of the most breathtaking choreography ever.
Dancers were attired to highlight the different cultures and the Majorettes of Georgetown for sure displayed impressive routines and choreography that spoke positive of their flexibility and ability to remain coordinated.
Right after the massive gathering observed the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead before readying for the kaleidoscope of colours that exploded into the night sky as the customary fireworks spiraled into the air.