Inaugural Guyana Festival opens today

Aug 08, 2014 News

– ‘flavourful’ event promised

By Keeran Danny
The sweet flavour of the Guyanese culture, particularly its cuisine, will definitely tantalize the taste buds of visitors who will gather at the National Stadium, Providence this afternoon to enjoy the opening of the inaugural Guyana Festival.

Staff of Sueria Manufacturing Inc., preparing their booth

At least one participant, Sueria Manufacturing Inc., is aiming to make this mission possible by distributing 3,000 pounds of ‘Kaieteur Candies’ free of cost to patrons between August 8 and August 10.
Being a new company, Sueria Manufacturing Inc., is utilizing the event to promote its wide variety of products to the thousands of Guyanese and foreigners expected to be in attendance.
According to Frank Sanichara, Chief Executive Officer of Sueria Manufacturing Inc., for feedback purposes, the company will be making available samples of its new flavours: Coffee, banana and cream, pineapple and cream, tamarind, and passion fruit.
He said that Sueria Manufacturing Inc. prides itself with difference and quality and these are evident in the layout of the booth. Instead of taking the conventional route to build a wooden rectangular booth, Kaieteur Candies will be displayed in a bright orange “candy-like” tent decorated with balloons.
The sweetness of Kaieteur Candies is only part of the exciting package the Ministry of Tourism has put together to bring awareness of Guyana’s rich diverse culture of food, dance, dress, folklore, craft and folksongs.
Fittingly, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has a booth displaying craft and detailed write-ups on Guyana’s history.
According to Indranauth Haralsingh, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, patrons will be treated to an exciting three-day event which is different from other exhibitions. For just $3,000 patrons can possess a “Guyana passport” to access the venue all three days. A coupon will be given along with the purchase. At the end of the event, a draw will take place and the winner will drive away in a new car. Patrons could also purchase a ticket for one day at a cost of $1,000.
Haralsingh promises that no day will be dull. In fact, there will be a cook-out section with free gas and stoves available to groups. This aspect is designed to have all-day activities, with patrons visiting the various booths.

Guyana Festival opens today.

Day one will feature a GDF air show followed by a national concert; the audience on day two will experience the ‘Night of the Legends’ and thrilling Festival Cricket and Football matches; while Day three will feature a National Cook Out – with food from every culture – followed by the ‘Generation Next’ concert. The latter is one of the main attractions.
Visitors to the Guyana Festival are in for another first time experience as Air Services Limited will be offering helicopter rides. Patrons will be able to have a bird’s eye view of the city from 12:00hrs to 18:00hrs each day during a 15-minute ride on the helicopter.
The fare is $9,000 per person with special discounts for families and school children.
A helipad has already been set up and check-in facilities identified. The event is being held at the National Stadium at Providence.
Haralsingh emphasized that Guyana Festival is unlike GuyExpo. He said that it is a celebration of Guyana’s unique culture created by six peoples, while GuyExpo is a trade fair designed to propel the growth of Guyana’s economy.