WITH the potential to become one of Guyana’s most sought-after festivals, the 2nd Rupununi Music and Arts Festival was launched on Friday and is slated to take place at Annai, North Rupununi.
The festival was launched at the Ministry of Tourism now located at Colgrain House and is to take place from the 18th to 20th of September. It is being dubbed an “Experience of a lifetime.” Speaking at the launch, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, Minister of Education, stated that his ministry is very pleased to be associated with the festival. He added that be believed the best way to keep our culture and talents alive is to have them integrated into our education system.
“Music is a key component of encouragement in all fields, to have the indigenous art form displayed especially for our young people. This is an important part of our culture,” he related.
Dr Roopnaraine stressed that the festival has great potential and can create new business opportunities, boost tourism and eventually a key tourist attraction. He assured all stakeholders that his ministry supports the festival completely and will be assisting in whatever way possible.
Tourism Minister Catherine Hughes is convinced of the success of this year’s festival and noted too that there is a great possibility for the festival to become one of the most popular music festivals. “There is a growing market of persons that are moving away from the traditional pop music festivals and are now looking to experience the more cultural music festivals.”
According to the Tourism Minister, “We will start right here in the Caribbean first and market the festival and then move on to the world at large.” She also alluded to the fact that during the last festival she had wanted to attend, but could not since all flights to the Rupununi were completely booked. With this in mind, she urged all local airlines to make the necessary preparations so as to accommodate the influx of persons wanting to fly into Annai.
Hughes stated that the Tourism Ministry and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) are completely supportive of this event in every way and urges all Guyanese to attend.
During his remarks, Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs Sydney Allicock explained that “Guyana is like an unpolished diamond and little by little, we are seeing it sparkle now.” He continued to explain his comment noting that little by little Guyana will reach its full potential.
Allicock stated that almost 60% of Guyanese have not seen many parts of Guyana and such a festival will encourage local people to visit the Rupununi. He noted that both public and private partnerships are needed for the success of the festival and assured the coordinators that the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs is in full support of the event.
Speaking also at the launch was Director of the festival Dr Bob Ramdhanie and owner of Rock View Resort at Annai, Colin Edwards. Both personalities urged all to be a part of the festival which will feature both local and international artistes.
Edwards also thanked all stakeholders involved, noting that both private and public entities have thrown their support behind the event.