THE Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) has announced its plans for this year’s traditional grand melas (fairs), to celebrate the 172nd anniversary of when East Indians arrived in Guyana.

Speaking at a news conference last Thursday, at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre in Kingston, Georgetown, Executive Member Mr. Neaz Subhan reminded that, traditionally, over the last eight years the IAC has been organising events countrywide to commemorate the milestone and 2010 will be no different.

He said the three major occasions to which Guyanese have become accustomed will take place on April 25 in the National Park, Georgetown; May 2, at Anna Regina Community Centre Ground on the Essequibo Coast, and May 5 (Arrival Day) at Port Mourant Community Centre Ground in Corentyne, Berbice.

Subhan said, usually, the Berbice mela is at Albion Sports Complex, another part of Corentyne, but the management of that facility has taken a decision to preserve the ground for cricket.

A group performing at a previous mela

“The mela will continue in its tradition of providing entertainment in its various forms, song, dance, poetry, drama and also the wide variety of exhibits that are made available for Guyanese to procure and consume,” he stated.

Subhan reiterated the zero tolerance for the use of alcohol and that no gambling will be allowed, as in the past.

“Also, a bit different, this year, is that there will not be artistes coming from India to participate,” he disclosed.

He said, although, basically, patrons will be seeing a Guyanese mela, efforts are currently ongoing to bring artistes from Trinidad and Suriname.

Subhan assured that the organisation will continue, this year, to honour outstanding Guyanese of Indian origin who have contributed to the country’s development in various fields, with four awards including a posthumous one, to be presented.

He said the names of the awardees will be announced at a later date but maintained: “These are people who have made outstanding contributions to Guyana in various ways.”

Subhan informed, as well, that the IAC is in the process of establishing, very shortly, an Indian Museum of Arts and History on which a lot of work has already been done.

EXTREMELY RICH
“As you know, Guyanese culture is extremely rich not only through Indians but with all of those people who came from various parts of the world and have made Guyana their home and we have seen efforts in other areas to have museums and the IAC feels that the time is right, or long overdue, for the establishment of an Indian museum,” he stated.

Subhan said if anyone has a property to make available for the museum, the IAC will be willing to enter into discussions and see how best to strike a deal that is reasonable to both sides. 

Meantime, fellow Executive IAC Member, Mr. Raymond Azeez remarked that such melas cost a lot of money and, without the support of the business community and other sponsors, it will not be possible to stage them.

He said admission fees to the melas would be very minimal.

Azeez disclosed that, once again this year, the Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company (GT&T) and the two major beverage companies, Banks DIH and Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), which were involved from the inception, have pledged their support, among other sponsors and donors who would also help with the organisation.

He thanked all the supporters and welcomed assistance from other persons who may wish to assist.

The contacts can be made on telephone numbers 647-7575, 624-5002, 625-6903 and 628-7500 or at the Maraj Building office, Charlotte Street, Georgetown.  

Azeez said persons who would take booths have already been in touch with the organizers and he assured those who attend of a very rich cultural programme, traditional Indian foods and games for children.

Another Executive Member, Mr. Aditya Persaud said, this year, the melas will be quite a fun experience with a massive tassa drumming competition. In Georgetown, between seven and eight groups have confirmed their participation but other contestants are welcome.

He said the tassa drumming is not just for entertainment and prize giving but to encourage people and nurture it among the traditions that can be revived.

“The IAC is multi-religious, so we cater for everyone but we ask to be a bit traditional, in the sense of tassa drumming,” Azeez said, hinting also at ‘nagara’.
The IAC, a non-profit, non-governmental organisation (NGO) was established in January 2003, to focus on cultural, educational, and social issues and concerns of mainly Indo-Guyanese.