Record turnout expected for Guyana’s 52nd Independence celebration in New York

Mar 28, 2018 News

L-R) Edward Meertins-George, Loraine Faenell, Samantha Hodges, Consul
General Barbara Atherly, Sharmin Prince, Rickford Burke and Nevlon Duguid

Brooklyn, USA: Guyanese pride will be on full display when the New York diaspora unites for one celebration of Guyana’s 52nd Anniversary of Independence from June 3, 2018 in Brooklyn, under the theme “Celebrate Guyana To The World.”
The annual event is the second largest West Indian celebration in New York, after the Labour Day parade. The historic 2016 jubilee celebration attracted over 20,000 Guyanese, while over 10,000 attended in 2017.
The website has received over four million hits. Interest has peaked astronomically this year. We expect to mobilize a greater number of Guyanese in 2018, said Chairman, Mr. Rickford Burke, of the Guyana Independence Celebration Committee (New York).
A delegation from the Guyana Independence Celebration Committee (New York); including Chairman, Mr. Rickford Burke; Vice Chairman Ms. Rhonda Binda; Treasurer Ms. Shariman Prince; Counsel Mr. Edward Meertins-George; and Director of Communications & Diaspora Engagement, Mr. Nevlon Duguid, met with Guyana’s Consul General to New York, Barbara Atherly, on Friday, March 23, to synchronize celebration plans.
Consul General Atherly was accompanied by Ms. Samantha Hodges, executive officer in the diaspora affairs unit and Ms. Loraine Farnell, of the Consulate.
The Consul General and Committee agreed to work closely together to create synergies that promote unity and to engender national cohesion. Cognizant that the diaspora must adopt a united approach to celebrate our common culture, the Committee and Consul General further agreed to partner, as well as work jointly with other diaspora organizations, to ensure a successful Independence celebration.
The celebration would include an Independence Thanksgiving Service on May 20, 2018, Flag Raising Ceremony on June 3, Independence Parade (Mashramani in New York) on June 3, Unity Concert on June 3; Independence Festival on June 9 and Independence Cup Soccer Tournament on June 10.
“We have invited President David Granger, Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, Minister of State Joseph Harmon, Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally, Minister of Education Nicolette Henry, Minister in the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson, Attorney General Basil Wiliams, Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, Minister of Telecommunication, Cathy Hughes, Director of Sports Christopher Jones, Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green, Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland and others.
In keeping with our commitment to honour members of the Disciplined Services of Guyana each year, we have invited five members of the Guyana Defence Force. These ranks will partner with Guyanese-American counterparts in the United States Armed Forces to perform the ceremonial honours at the events.
We have also invited several national soccer players from Guyana as well as the President of the Guyana Football Federation, Mr. Wayne Forde, to participate in the soccer tournament.
The concert will be headlined by an international reggae superstar, who will be announced in April at the Committee’s 2018 media and public relations campaign roll out.
Other artistes slated to perform include Carib Soca Monarch Brandon Harding, chutney star Terry Gajraj, Soca stars Jumo Primo, Adrian Dutchin, Blaze Antonio, Travon Vibez and Melissa Vanilla Roberts. Recording artists Eddie Neblet, Kapa Shanti, Lisa Punch, Johnny Go Figure and others will also appear.
They will be accompanied by Guyanese-owned Angel’s Caribbean Band. Organizations, businesses, groups or individuals who are interested in participating in the celebration, placing truck or floats on the parade, or in vending, may contact the Committee at www.celebrateguyanainnyc.comor call 929-263-2556.

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