“Taste of Guyana” scores another hit in Barbados

Aug 20, 2017 News

The Guyanese Association of Barbados Inc. (GABI) ”Taste of Guyana” in 2016, one of the highlights of Guyana’s Independence Jubilee Celebrations in Barbados, has literally grown in popularity that it has become an event not only for Guyanese resident in Barbados, but it is now well attended by Barbadian and other CARICOM residents.
On Sunday last, over 2,000 persons turned up at the world famous Kensington Oval to enjoy all the now well-known Guyanese dishes.
The massive crowd were now disappointed as the vendors fulfilled their billing with the varied Curry dishes, Puri and Bus’ up shirt, Metem-gee, Cook-up and Fried Rice, Chow-Mein, Baked and Fried Chicken, and all the popular Guyanese pastries – including salara, turn-over, patties, pine tarts, cheese rolls and cheese straws, Metai, Chicken foot, Black and White Pudding and souse.
The Guyanese were particular happy to be served the souse ‘a la Guyana’ as against the method of making souse by Barbadians.
The event was the best – in terms of the multi-ethnic and cultural attendance – since its inception ten years ago. This was an observation made by many GABI Past Presidents and former Executive members, who for many years worked feverishly to build social cohesion among the various Guyanese ethnic groups resident in Barbados.
The crowd was treated – in addition to a fine array of Guyanese dishes – to a three-hour cultural presentation. The highlight of the show was the performance by famous Guyanese recording artiste Aubrey Mann who after rendering his popular “ Stealing Live on the Side” was recalled for an encore, causing many ladies to begin dancing, remembering the olden days.
Also thrilling the crowd was ten-year-old Indian dancer Raveena Ganesh, and popular Indian songsters Navindra and Radhika Singh. A new feature of GABI’s “Taste of Guyana”, was the introduction of the Roraima Singers. This choir was born after last year’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations, when it was felt that there was the need for such a folk group.
A performance by the ‘Pan Magic’ duo of Roger Gibbs (on Pan), and his wife Sylvia on percussions, played Guyanese folk songs and well-liked soca tunes. Dancin’ Africa delivered three performances including a “Zumba” dance to the tune ‘Basodee’.
Reggae, Soca and Chutney songs were presented by “Krish Vybbz”, “Ras Shem Der Anchor Boss”, “Mr. Veejay” and soca recording favourite “Ryan T.
Dr. Nicole Moore-Clarke, President of GABI said that she was excited with the attendance by the large number of Guyanese, Barbadian and CARICOM residents, and felt assured that “Taste of Guyana” will continue to grow, especially because of the popularity of Guyanese dishes.
She was particularly proud of the support and control by the members of the Royal Barbados Police Force and the private security services, which made the event incident-free, especially in the light of recent violent incidents on the neighbouring Spring Garden Highway at Barbados’ Crop Over Festival.
The team of Volunteers, including members of the Guyana Student Association – U.W.I Cave Hill, were praised and thanked for their services during the eight-hour event.
Dr Moore-Clarke extended thanks to the management of the Kensington Oval Management Inc. for the use of the venue.
She also expressed GABI’s gratitude to the many sponsors, who included Caribbean Airlines for their return airline ticket to Guyana, Ocean Two Hotel who presented a three-day ‘stacation’ for two, Banks Holdings and FLOW. (Story and photos by Peter Haynes)

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