HUNDREDS of Guyanese turned out for the annual Indian Arrival celebrations held at Smokey Park in New York (NY) last Sunday afternoon. There was a cultural variety concert featuring two live bands and a singing and dancing competition. The Indo-Caribbean Federation hosted the 24th annual celebration to mark the 171st anniversary since Indians set foot in Guyana.

It was a cold day for an outdoor event but people still showed up in large numbers to watch artistes performed for free. Several businesses sponsored prizes, provided food and underwrote the costs associated with staging the concert. The audience was treated to refreshments.

The program began after 1:00 pm and concluded after 7: 00 pm. Among the emcees were Robert Mohamed, Frank Singh, Tanuja Raghoo, Ralph Tamesh, and Roy Singh. Providing music were the Sansaar Sangeet orchestra led by Anoop Dhanpat and the Supertones led by popular pop/chutney Terry Gajraj who also sang a few songs and paid tribute to mothers as well as the late Sundar Popo.

The organisation honoured several prominent Guyanese for their distinguished service to the community including.

It was an entertainment packed and fun-filled concert. Many in the crowd danced and clapped to the beat of soca and chutney music and live tassa. Several non-Indians were among the crowd enjoying the music, dances and traditional Guyanese food. Many Guyanese were dressed in traditional attire (Punjabi suits, Shalwar Kameez, kurtha sets, Nehru suits) to celebrate their identity.

The winners of the Male Singing Competition were 1st Pally Dass; 2nd Latiff Ogeer; 3rd Raj Kumar. In the Female Dancing category, 1st Vashty Singh; 2nd Darshani Ramdhani; 3rd Ahristina Persaud. In the Female Singing category, 1st Lalita Ramnauth; 2nd Hema Thakoordeen; 3rd Indera Choudry.

The organisers of the concert also put out a special colored magazine publication and a newspaper highlighting the achievements of the community. The President of the Federation, Ralph Tamesh praised the hard work of the organizers in making the celebration a magnificent success. He applauded the artistes for their participation. “Their hard work, dedication and sterling contributions to the development and promotion of culture and their participation in the Indian arrival (immigration) commemoration festivities have made all of us proud”.

He also thanked the many persons and organizations that helped to make the event a success.
VISHNU BISRAM