TWO major and very diverse companies recently endorsed the Guyana Festival as being ‘ah we ting’. Continental Group of Companies under its Sun Burst brand donated $1.2 M, and BK International donated $1M.

At a press conference on Friday held in the Tourism Ministry’s Boardroom, Continental Company Secretary, Percival Boyce noted that they are excited to be associated with Guyana Festival. He explained that the initiative is a great one because it will not only showcase Guyana’s diversity but promote and provide additional markets for Guyanese products. He noted that the Sujata Curry Powder and Sun Burst brands will be on display at the Festival and encouraged Guyanese to go and support the event. “The Continental Company will continue to support the Minister and Ministry of Tourism in such events” Boyce said.

BK International Marketing and Sales Director, Ms. Briony Tiwarie, pointed out “as a Guyanese company we are always looking to give back to our home, and to the various sectors other than the construction sector”. She also explained that through the Festival, the country will be promoted.
“We see the Guyana Festival as something good which will highlight and promote the taste of Guyana, the flavours of Guyana and the soul of Guyana. We fully support the Tourism sector and the Minister for the event,” she said.
“These companies are allowing us the opportunity to bring this festival to the Guyanese public” Minister of Tourism (ag) Irfaan Ali emphasised. He noted that BK International and Continental Group of Companies were two diverse companies and their contributions reflect their commitment to fulfilling their corporate responsibilities.” Continental Group of Companies is a company of international standards and has been serving Guyana for many years. And BK has been doing a fantastic job for Guyana, strives for excellence, and has contributed significantly to the construction sector,” Ali related.
Ali also explained that there is a contingent of 50 persons that will be coming from Florida to attend the event primarily to participate in the National Cook Out slated for August 10.
Owner of King’s Jewellery World and Coordinator of the Guyana Festival CookOut, Looknauth Persaud said he is hopeful they can show patrons more of their signature dishes in Guyana and with Sujata curry powder on board now we can definitely showcase out signature dishes.
Guyanese singer, Terry Gajraj who will be performing at the Night of Legends concert was also at the event and will be releasing a number of new hits at the festival. He noted that he is currently promoting the event heavily in New York.
The Guyana Festival coin is sold at the Ministry of Tourism, Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and King’s Jewellery World at a cost of $3000.Interested persons can also pick up their Guyana Festival passports at a cost of $3000 or US$15 at the following locations: Nigel’s Supermarket, Ashmins Store, Courts, N and S Mattai, Survival Supermarket, KK Gas Station (Mahaica), M and M Snackette, Courts at Parika, Churchs Chicken at Linden, Essential Care Pharmacy, G3 Building at Diamond Housing Scheme, Fat Boy Discount Store (Stelling Road Vreed-en-Hoop), the Ministry of Tourism, South Road Office and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) at the Sophia Exhibition Centre.
The Guyana Festival covers three days and will feature our most celebrated legends in sports, culture, art, music, food, entertainment and much more. Day one will feature an airshow and national concert, day two the audience will experience the night of the legends and day three will feature a national cook off with food from every culture followed by the Generation Next concert.

(By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)