By Frederick Halley

WELL-known Guyana-born Logistics Associate Dessie Fanfair, who has been residing in Canada for over 30 years, is leading the charge to mobilise her fellow Guyanese-Canadians to attend various events in Guyana during the 50th Independence anniversary celebrations next May.

Fanfair was also at the forefront of last year’s John/Rimple Family reunion held last year in Guyana which saw over 150 family members from England, Canada, and USA returning to their homeland, some for the very first time. She is once again hoping to attract droves of Guyanese for the big occasion.

The decision to organise next year’s visit was prompted by the success of last year’s family reunion with several members raving about what took place, so it was no surprised when family members and mostly friends, contacted Fanfair to organise the trip for next year’s celebrations, a release from the organising committee said.

Apart from Fanfair, the other members of the committee are Janice McRae and Roxanne Marques and they are tasked with organising events prior to the departure of those travelling to Guyana, and also during their stay.

Branded Guyanese-Canadians -GT 50, one of the main events is slated for Palm Court on Friday, May 27, 2016, starting at 15:00 hrs

According to the organisers, a rehearsal video on the event will be released shortly but aspiring patrons are advised that the dress code will be white and jeans.
The organisers also pointed out that the event “is quickly becoming a social media phenomenon and is slated to be an inclusive culture event for all ages. They are also urging patrons “to watch the video on social media, learn the dance, follow the dress code, arrive on spot at the start time, do your thing to Adrian Ducthin’s “I am Guyanese” and “go”.

It was also disclosed that the event will be videotaped and is actually going to be the catalyst for Guyanese flashmobs events all over the world.

The trio is also encouraging their fellow Canadians to attend all Guyana Independence 50th events and will be posting and emailing everyone with schedules when the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, presents its official schedule.

Meanwhile, the Canadians are planning a few events of their own, and are encouraging everyone to attend and experience the Canadian hospitality.

These events include a tour of Georgetown, a Red, White and Green Barbecue, Massive Throw Back Thursday, Bell Bottoms and “FRO Dance Party. Some will also be staying on for the triangular one-day tri-series featuring West Indies, Australia and South Africa scheduled for the Guyana National Stadium from June 10, 2016.

In the meantime, Canadians are urged to book their flights now on Fly Jamaica or Caribbean Airlines and those desirous of booking hotels to check with Princess, Regency Suites or Millennium