Luncheon announces…
Christmas entertainment promotions
THE Administration, recognising the visible growth in cultural expression and entertainment in Guyana, will be assisting in the promotion of seasonal activities, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon announced last Friday.

Speaking at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, he said its commercialisation, the “commoditisation” of culture and, of course, its nexus with the ongoing development of art forms and public entertainment and tourism have all contributed to the evolution of greater Government support.

According to him, Government’s attention will be focused on three periods which will coincide with national events – February during the Mashramani period; the August holidays and the Christmas season.

“Government will assist in the promotion of week long public activities either ‘stand alone’ or in conjunction with existing public activities and the promoters will be targeted for the kind of support that the Government would offer to have these activities commercially viable and valued as a source of entertainment for Guyanese and visitors visiting from the Diaspora,” Luncheon stated.

Noting that there is a taxation regime and such like that surround economic activities, he said: “What is intended is for the promoters, who are aggressive enough to invest in public entertainment activities at these three specific periods, to put on quality events and promotions and, indeed, the Administration would be examining additional means to make them even more, should we say, profitable.”

Luncheon said the Administration’s interest is providing the kinds of options that characterised the tenth Caribbean Festival of Creative Arts (CARIFESTA X) period in Guyana, providing different opportunities.

“…our modest beginning is to promote something like that around a week long period at Mashramani…perhaps a longer period for the August holidays and then a week long period in December,” he said.

Luncheon added: “If that were to be institutionalised, then, indeed, Guyanese and visitors would have much more to look forward to when Mashramani, August holidays or Christmas come around.” (Priya Nauth)