THE Town of Rose Hall is abuzz with activities as it prepares to host its 46th Anniversary.Residents are excited about the fact that the Mayor and Town Council has decided to partner with the Rose Hall Youth and Sports Club (RHYSC) to put on the celebrations.
The RHYSC will be the organizing and executing body of this year’s celebrations under the theme: “Proud of our past, optimistic about our future.”
As the countdown for the September 14 launch gets closer, visible changes in the environment are already noticeable with several areas being spruced up and repainted in the national colours, as well as in the town’s colours of green, yellow and white. However, the bulk of the work is being done behind the scenes, as the club and its members are busy coordinating and finalising arrangements for what is billed to the be biggest Town Week for Rose Hall.
Coordinator of the event, Hilbert Foster, said that due to the overwhelming support they have received the celebrations have been extended to 12 days, commencing with a massive parade on September 14.
“This will be the biggest town week celebrations this town has ever seen,” he stated.
The parade will feature 1,000 participants. The official opening ceremony will follow the parade.
The other activities which are billed to be held at various locations throughout the town are all free of cost, compliments of sponsorship from various organisations, businesses and individuals.
Apart from a Medical Clinic and a public exhibition, the Arch Road will come alive on September 17 with a steelpan concert and dance competition, while Sunday the 18th will be a full day of sports including cricket, 5/5 cricket competition, football and basketball competitions and will culminate with a dance, all at the Area ‘H’ Ground.
Monday the 19th will see a series of educational events, including an art competition for nursery school students, spelling bee for Primary school and essay competition for secondary schools students.
Tuesday, September 20, will see the launching of a 40-page booklet on the history of the town which is being sponsored by the Bank of Nova Scotia. According to Foster, this will go down in history as being the first town to officially have its history documented in detail and distributed.
In addition, residents over the age of 85 will be honoured.
On Thursday 22nd there will be one of the main attractions – a career and business fair on the Public Road. This event will be held in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism, The Ministry of Business and the Guyana Police Force. Over 90 booth spaces have already been registered.
Friday, the 23rd will see the opening and handing over of a family recreational park.
Sunday, September 24 will see a Rose Hall Yard Fowl curry competition in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism. This will be a calendar event for the tourism ministry as well as for the town’s anniversary celebrations. The competition is open only to residents and those who work in Rose Hall Town. The winner will receive $50,000 cash and other prizes. There will also be second and third prizes. The event will conclude with a public talent concert from 18:00hrs.
Foster stressed that all the events are free and is urging everyone to take part and don’t be exploited by unscrupulous individuals. He is also appealing to residents to keep their environment clean.
Rose Hall Town is the smallest of three towns in  Berbice and sits on approximately 13 square Kilometres of land. It has a population of over 8000 and became a town on the 20th of September 1970.