THE Indian Arrival Committee (IAC), yesterday, announced a programme of activities to celebrate the Festival of Phagwah.It will begin with the annual Phagwah mela ‘Rang Bharse’ to be hosted on March 17 at Bath Settlement, West Coast of Berbice.
Rang Bharse will, once again, provide the opportunity for thousands to participate in the fun and frolic associated with Phagwah. The rich cultural event will commence at 16:00 hrs, featuring the Dax New Generation Band, top local singers and dancers, a variety of Indian foods and sweetmeats while non-alcoholic beverages would be on sale.
Admission to it will be free of cost.
Over the years, the Phagwah Mela continues to be supported by Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company (GT&T) and the utility will be making available t-shirts and powder for some lucky patrons.
Executive Member of IAC, Mr. Neaz Subhan expressed the organisation’s appreciation to GT&T for its continued support.
Extremely concerned
Meanwhile, he said the IAC is extremely concerned over the incidents of suicide that continue to plague parts of the country, more profoundly the East Berbice Region.
He said IAC believes this warrants interventions of a national magnitude and had previously called on the authorities to declare the current suicide situation a national priority.
Subhan explained that the IAC is hoping that they can address the matter as early as May and they will be commissioning a Guyanese expert in the field of suicide to do a paper on some or more of the recurring reasons for it and more information will be made available at a later date.
“It is our fervent hope that this initiative would be supported by all, including the media, since we believe a combined effort, through various mechanisms, can help. We take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all those organisations and individuals who have supported us, including the media, over the years and we look forward to your continued support,” said Subhan.
On behalf of Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Mr Robert Persaud, he extended Phagwah greetings to Hindu brothers, sisters and Guyanese at large.