First Bom Fin/Lethem Cultural Festival July 30
RESIDENTS of the Guyana/Brazil border communities of Lethem and Bom Fin are getting set for a big ‘Border Bashment’.
The co-called ‘blowout party’ will be hosted at Lethem on July 30 and 31 as the first ever Bom Fin/Lethem Cultural Festival.
Conceptualised by Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, it has the full support of Brazilians at Bom Fin, RCCI President, Mr. Alfred Ramsarran said.
“Artistes from Bom Fin and Lethem will, for the first time, share one stage. Following the opening of the Takutu Bridge linking the two countries, this festival is in aid of deepening the integration process,” he enthused.
Ramsarran said planning and arrangements for the event are being coordinated by a Bom Fin/Lethem Joint Committee of residents and officials from both border villages.
The committee was formed and held its first meeting in the Boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council of Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) earlier this week.
Members from the Brazil side comprise the Brazil Vice-Consul, Mr. Thetonio Sanat Cruz, representatives from schools in Bom Fin, the Bom Fin Municipality, Bom Fin Military and the Bom Fin Private Sector.
Those from Lethem are Region Nine Chairman, Mr. Clarindo Lucas, RCCI members, Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Chairman, Mr. Terrence Boston and others representing the Police and Army.
Ramsarran, who chaired the meeting, told those in attendance that the festival is a very good vehicle for bringing the two communities closer together.
The persons from Bom Fin agreed and acknowledged the importance of greater cooperation between and integration of the two communities.
They endorsed the proposal that the festival be an annual event with Lethem being the first host in a rotation system.

MOU

The Joint Committee adopted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will be signed at the second meeting scheduled for next week.
Meanwhile, Ramsarran said the first night of the festival will showcase talents fostering togetherness, after which the Guyana side would demonstrate the cultural activities of its six peoples.
The second will be Brazil night of music, songs and dance, such as the samba for which Brazilians are internationally known.
There are also to be stalls stocked and manned by residents of both communities, exhibiting food and other products.
The culmination of each night will be the crowning of a beauty queen, from Lethem and Bom Fin, who are to embrace and further symbolise the friendliness and desire for integration of the two communities and, by extension, the two nations, Ramsarran said.
He said more information on the festival, including levels of collaboration between RCCI and other local entities and artistes will be made available in a timely manner prior to July 30.
Lucas commended the Private Sector on the initiative and expressed the hope that the festival will continue for many years in the interest of people enthusiastic about frontier development.