THE Guyanese Association of Barbados Inc. (GABI) will host its annual ‘Taste of Guyana’ to coincide with this country’s 47th Independence Anniversary on May 26. The event will be staged at the Barbados Hockey Federation’s Astro Turf Field, located in the Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, Wildey, St. Michael.
GABI is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) with aims and objectives that include:
*  promotion of the integration of Guyanese into the Barbadian society;
* to endeavour to preserve and exhibit Guyanese culture into the Barbadian society;
* to provide resource information to recent Guyanese immigrants in need of assistance within the scope of the law and GABI’s Constitution, and
* to organise celebrations around Guyanese national milestones.
‘Taste of Guyana 2013’ will, again, feature live performances by leading Guyanese performers and, this year, GABI has invited Charmaine Blackman and Abigail James, who have agreed to perform, thanks to their Manager Bonny Alves for making it possible.
The artistes and Alves are scheduled to make radio and television appearances upon arrival in Barbados on May 23.
The main entertainment will also feature Guyanese artistes residing in Barbados, among them Ryan T and popular DJs Kartel, Jermaine and Super Link.  
Tassa drumming and the ever popular ‘Birdman’ would be part of the May 26 programme, as well.

THE INVITEES
Among the invitees will be Barbadian Government officials and other leading prominent Barbadians, including Opposition Leader Mia Mottley, former Prime Minister Owen Arthur, Deputy Opposition Leader Dale Marshall and members of the Diplomatic Corps.
A wide variety of Guyanese dishes, such as metem, pepperpot, cook-up rice, curries, channa, chowmein, fish cakes, white and black pudding, cassava balls, pastries of all description and home made drinks, would also be available.
There will also be well-known Guyanese games and children will have face-painting and jumping tents to entertain them.
GABI has, for the first time, received significant support from corporate Barbados to host Taste of Guyana and the Kiwanis of Bridgetown are helping to stage the event.
GABI President Peter Haynes said they are making every effort to attract all Guyanese on the island and this is intended to broaden the association’s base.
He said they will be discussing, with interested individuals, the exposure of all Guyanese cultural art forms to the Barbadian society.