I write to applaud the organisers of the Guyana Day observed last Sunday at the Esplanade (on the beach) in Bridgetown, Barbados. This was the third year in a row I happened to be in Barbados when the event was held. I was told it was going on for several years.

The Guyana Day was a magnificent entertainment filled event in which everyone seemed to have had a good time. Guyanese of all races (Indians, Africans, Mixed, Portuguese, Amerindians, Chinese, etc.) were present and they intermingled and had fun.

There was folklore and good ole Guyanese music. Guyanese dishes (so many sumptuous and delicious items) and drinks were on sale. There were short speeches from a few prominent individuals including the Honorary Consular General, Norman Faria. The press was also there. Kudos to Mr. Faria and his team and all others who helped to organise the event.

I am always pleased to see Guyanese of diverse ethnicities celebrating events together and it is to the organizers’ credit that they can bring together so many Guyanese to celebrate their national heritage and identity.

I should note that the event was not as large as the one I visited a few years ago on a trip from NY. In speaking with Guyanese at the event and other locations, apparently fear of immigration authorities drove a lot of them from the event. Guyanese at other locations told me they did not go to the event because they did not want to be identified by immigration authorities.

Separately, Guyana Day will be observed in NY this Sunday with a cultural variety show at York College where several Guyanese will be honored.
VISHNU BISRAM