–Presidential entourage ‘spice up’ things

IT was quite a historic event last Sunday night, when hundreds of residents of Leguan Island, in the Essequibo River in Region Three, came together for the first ever ‘Leguan Night’ celebration!

The event did not disappoint its attendees, and this was mainly due to the well coordinated events that took place at the Greens Park Ground, aback the Leguan Secondary School. This venue saw not just the islanders, but a significant number of people who travelled from other destinations, including Georgetown and Parika, to share in the event.
One would have expected certain glitches because something of this magnitude was being staged for the very first time on the island, but nothing spoiled the event!
The Leguan Organising Committee, along with its Neighourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, collaborated to truly make the event an unqualified success.

Notably present were His Excellency President Donald Ramotar; Acting Tourism Minister, the Honourable Irfaan Ali, Chairman of Region Three (Essequio Islands/West Demerara), Mr Julius Faerber; and President of the Guyana Rice Producers Association, Mr Dharamkumar Seeraj.
The presence and quite active participation of these individuals spiced up the proceedings and made things a lot livelier. Who could deny that President Ramotar’s dancing shots and his singing of folklore did not add to the excitement?

Furthermore, who could disagree that Minister Ali’s wining and curling at one point was not thrilling? The crowd just loved it, and went wild!
Seeraj boldly took to the stage when called, and perhaps his courage was instrumental in leading all of the other officials on stage.
Adding to the fun were impressive performances from the Shakti Strings Orchestra. Talented, handsome young men, all clad in pink shirts, wowed the crowd as they delivered performances that were enjoyable and full of life.

Leguan’s very own Aaron Dasraj, of the One Man Band, also delivered to the satisfaction of the audience, along with well known belly-dancer-turned-singer, Sandella. Harvey Gobin opened proceedings with the song “Welcome to Leguan.”
Other attractions at the event included a number of food booths and a Banks DIH Bar. Art and craft in the form of ladies’ accessories, hats, bags and an assortment of other

items were also on sale. Games and the famous ‘chic chic’ board were on hand as well.
A Genequip Booth featuring John Deere products was also present. This company is known for, among other things, supplying farmers with fertilizers, spreaders, and cannon sprayers.
The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) also was on board, promoting the use of a shade house. NAREI staff took names of interested persons and promised to keep in touch to provide further details on keeping a shade house. Those officers explained that such a facility provides for better production, even double the yield of other methods used to farm.
Moreover, a health booth was set up to answer any questions about physiotherapy, environmental health, and other issues. Gizmos and Gadgets and Shoe Haven were also on board, showcasing their items.

‘Thriving Leguan’
President Ramotar, in a short address to the crowd, referred to the many changes he observed, among which was increase in the number of motorcycles and vehicles on the island. He also observed that one boat is no longer enough to carry all the rice produced on Leguan. “This is proof of development. Leguan is thriving and making bold steps,” the President remarked.
He acknowledged the efforts of all who shared in organizing the event, and noted what a pleasure it was for him to return to Leguan. He recalled that he was a frequent visitor to the island since he was a child, and that some of his first memories of life were right on Leguan. “I always have a deep love for the two islands, Leguan and Wakenaam.”
The President encouraged the residents to make their voices heard on certain issues affecting the country, and said he was looking forward to their support in preventing the country from moving backwards.
Minister Ali said it was a privilege for him to share in the celebration. “Leguan is a very beautiful place, with beautiful people,” he declared. He also said the island contributes to the country’s economy, and has produced many leaders.
He expressed his interest in building a “strong tourism product” in Leguan, and urged the residents to examine the richness and potential of the island. “We would ensure that all is put in place to build Leguan,” he promised.

The Pageant
Of the nine lovely young ladies who participated in the pageant, Indranie Rampattie, 21, of Endeavour Village, was crowned queen. She was sashed and crowned by Minister Ali.
Tajewantie Rampersaud, 22, of Doornhaag copped the first runner’s up award; Adiola Austin, 19, of Louisiana was second; Tabitha Persaud, 19, of Cheltenham was third, and Serika Parsram, 16, of Blenheim copped the fourth position.
The other girls who participated were Taramattie Oudit, 22, of Good Intent; Natasha Sookraj, 21, of Doornhaag; Devika Mahase, 16, of Endeavour; and Roxanne St. Hill, whose particulars this reporter was unfortunate not to obtain.
The Chief Judge of the pageant was Amanda Rafeek. Other judges were Anita Singh, Kevin Persaud and L. Ross.
All of the girls did their best, and each participant took home gifts. The queen received $100,000 from the Tourism Ministry, along with a trip for two to the renowned Kaieteur Falls.
Sponsorship for the girls came from Mr. Fredrick Freeman of the USA; Mr. Fizul Khan; LP Doobay and Son; Chand’s Rice Milling Enterprise; Mr. Ronnie Baichu; Fast Relief Pharmacy; Tularam and Sons; Blue Choice; and Pulse Entertainment.
The Guyana National Newspapers Limited (Chronicle) also contributed to the event in the form of a cheque to the Leguan Organising Committee.