Digicel band lights up Durban Park
Reigning Miss World Guyana Lisa Punch leads the main float for the Ministry of Social Cohesion Band
Reigning Miss World Guyana Lisa Punch leads the main float for the Ministry of Social Cohesion Band

THE saying goes that “you always save the best for last” and that was just the case at Thursday’s Jubilee Independence Anniversary Float Parade, where the last two floats of the day – Digicel, and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure – were the finest of the day.They sent the massive crowd at Durban Park into a festive frenzy upon their arrival.

The truck which was a part of the Digicel parade
The truck which was a part of the Digicel parade

From all the enthusiasm that prevailed at the park throughout the day, nothing compared to the crowd’s reaction when the Digicel band, headed by local artiste Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo touched down at the venue.
The packed to capacity park burst into a flurry of screaming, jumping and waving as the band entered the compound on the south-western side, and when the Digicel revellers ran into the Park jumping and dancing, spectators refused to be left out and quickly swarmed onto the field to join in the fun.
It took quite some while before the ground could even be cleared enough for the Ministry of Public Infrastructure entourage, gyrating to the sounds of Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts, to make their way in.
“It was magnificent. I loved it.” One reveller remarked of the Digicel band.
The band included costumes created by renowned local designer Olympia Small-Sonaram, to the costume band theme “Phantom of the arts, from whence we came.” The costumes featured the company’s signatory red colour well blended with a lot of gold.
Though the last two bands were the most energetic, that’s not to say that the day was without its fair share of other spectacular displays earlier.

 President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger acknowledges the gathering at Durban Park
President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger acknowledges the gathering at Durban Park

Lovely breeze complemented the clear sunshine during the day, while later in the day a short downpour only added to the festivities as revellers continued to party in the heavy showers.
The Amazon Warriors was one of the first bands to get the crowd up and jumping when it entered the Park.
The Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs was also one of the more notable and refreshing bands that were on display. Their line-up was designed by Trevor Alfred, and featured a King and Queen ensemble, the latter of which depicted the beauty of indigenous women.
“The white feathers depict the purity of her mind, the yellow depicts the rich minerals that surround her village, the black represent the strength of the women, how hardworking they are,” Alfred noted.
Even the weather seemed to be in the Jubilee mood. The light breeze complemented the day’s blazing sunshine.
Overall, spectators were somewhat divided on their appreciation for the overall quality of the floats.
“It was marvellous; it was so nice seeing so many people. You were feeling the vibe of the atmosphere, you feeling the 50th anniversary vibe,” a young spectator told the Guyana Chronicle.
“It was more decent this year, it didn’t have a lot of them lawless things this year,” another said.
One overseas-based Guyanese who came home for the festivities loved what he saw but believed that more could have been done.

Director of Sports Christopher Jones (fourth from left) with some of the revellers from the Amazon Warrior band
Director of Sports Christopher Jones (fourth from left) with some of the revellers from the Amazon Warrior band

“First of all it has been a constructive event, very nostalgic, but I am disappointed with some of the floats. I would have expected to see more of our culture and history displayed here today,” the visitor said.
Some had also expected to see more floats from other major corporations, and more local artists involved with the floats.
Meanwhile, there was no shortage of commendations for the spankingly new Durban Park. All in the spectator stands had an opportunity to view the floats when they came in.

 

 

 

 

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