JUMO, Adrian Dutchin, WR Reaz, Radio DJ “Casual” and Mondale Smith all had reasons to smile and offer thank you speeches, as they were awarded crystals in various categories of the sixth West Indian Music Awards, staged at the Pegasus poolside.

But it was Mahendra Ramkellawan who made a clean sweep of the awards in the categories he had been entered.
Before more than 200 special invitees seated under the stars, the event — normally staged in the USA — took on an international flair, as persons such as American Ambassador Brent Hardt and Mrs Hardt, Canadian High Commissioner Mr David Divine and Mrs Devine were amongst those who handed out awards to deserving awardees.
Walking the Red Carpet, smiling to flashing cameras in every direction, and graciously giving interviews befitting celebrities was the precursor treatment meted out to both guests and nominees as they were accorded international celebrity treatment in the foyer of the Pegasus Hotel.
Models fashionably dressed in black-and-white gowns then ushered the guests to their respective seats for a spectacular night dedicated to honouring Guyana’s best in the music fraternity.
Soon after an introduction, WIMA’s CEO, US-based Mr. Dheeraj of the Dheeraj Cultural Foundation, Cultural Center Ghungaroos Dance Academy out of the USA, shared his dream of the coming into existence of the awards, when he had an epiphany during a walk on the beach with his two daughters years ago in a distant land.
EZjet’s CEO, who sponsored the awards to the tune of US $35,000, declared himself a proud Guyanese who believes in honouring his countrymen. He said the WIMA is a great initiative for Guyana.
All-out entertainment followed, as nominee and Emcee Mondale Smith guided the programme along.
First to take the stage was the US-based Ghunguroo Culture Group, donning rich, Indian-influenced white and silver sparkling costumes to set the tone in dance, followed by a spot of singing from one Mr. Andy.
The awarding of the nominees was the next item on the agenda, and aptly, Anthony Abrams of the contagious ‘Wine attack’ soca fame copped the night’s first crystal over fellow Lindener, Brandon Harding.
Then BTV Ch2 Production Manager, Mondale Smith was surprised by his win when Guyana Fashion Weekend CEO, Sonia Noel, called his name as winner of the Best Entertainment Television Presenter for his show, “Caribbean Music Box” over nominees such as WR Reaz and “Hits Ville” host, Rawle Ferguson.
A sumptuous buffet dinner followed after two other awards were made, then it was entertainment time again from Anthony Abrams, who dished out his ‘Wine attack’ song amongst other entertaining pieces.
Amongst the 23 awardees at the Sixth West Indian Music Awards to receive awards in various categories were beauty queens Soyini Fraser and Allana Seebaran, who are the beauties to bring Guyana international attention in pageantry when they won the Miss United Nations and the Miss India worldwide crowns respectively this year.
In his absence, Radio DJ, Casual won Best Radio Personality of the Year over Merano Isaacs and Wanita Huburn.
Mahendra Ramkellawan copped the lion’s share of awards, to mixed reaction from those in attendance. He was deservedly announced the Chutney Singer of the Year, but when his name was announced as heading the Best Entertainment Promotions Group of the Year, many looked on in disbelief, as his Fire FEST Promotions is good, but is considered a far cry from the quality of Pulse Entertainment, and the Hits and Jams Jamzone.
That prompted the Hits and Jams duo of Rawle Ferguson and Kerwin Bollers to walk out of the event in silent protest.
Reggae singer, Romeo ‘Mystic’ was full of gratitude for being bestowed the title of Best Reggae Artiste of the Year over Bartician, Solid Youth.
The Best Entertainment Television Show award went to WR Reaz, to the chagrin of most people, who still don’t know what is the name of his television show, as compared to “Hits Ville” hosted by Hits and Jams personality, Rawle Ferguson, and “Caribbean Music Box” host, Mondale Smith.
Adrian Dutchin’s award of Best Stage Performer was another upset, as his name was announced over his X2 counterpart, Jumo, who some opined is the better on-stage entertainer.
The night’s event also saw performances from Classique and APSARA dance troupes, with the former winning the Best Dance Group of the Year out of Guyana.
Margaret Lawrence of Meroundoi fame was bestowed one of two Humanitarian of the Year awards handed out that evening, while Shakti Strings, which has remained true, consistent and steadfast, copped the Band of the Year award.
It was not all awards being handed out, as Mahendra Ramkellawan did a medley of his hits, such as “Dem ah watch Me”, and “Dey want me buss a Tune”, while debutants Alex and Christian combined forces to entertain, acid rock style.
Bhisham Mohammed of Guyana Times won the Best Print Journalist award over Rabindra RoopLall of Kaieteur News, and Alex Wayne of the Guyana Chronicle.
Given stage presentations and the eventual award winners in most categories, some opined that the emphasis was on the ‘Indian’ in the WEST INDIAN Music Awards.
The event is now reportedly slated to be an annual event celebrating Guyanese in Guyana. Notably absent from the event was representation from either the Government or the Opposition.