–to ring in new year at Stabroek Square

HUNDREDS gathered at Stabroek Square on Sunday just before the stroke of midnight in anticipation of the traditional New Year’s Eve fireworks display.

There were intermittent downpours of the ‘Old Year’s rain’ that night, but that didn’t seem to deter anyone from basking in the glow emitting from the lit up Stabroek Market. Umbrellas were in abundance.

For a minute, there was a bit of confusion as some citizens set off their own grand illuminations along the Route 40 Bus Park, rivalling the expected grandeur of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)’s fireworks.

But at the stroke of midnight, huge fireworks, in hues of green, gold and red, appeared behind the market, rising as high as the clock’s tower.

A cheer erupted from the crowd at the indication of the new year, with each illumination seeming to outshine the previous one. And at times when there were many in the air at once, they seemed to be rivalling each other, fighting for your attention. There was smoke, too, of course, but it was no match for the lights from the pyrotechnics.

Many persons stood in the square with their umbrellas opened, while some sought refuge under buildings in the vicinity, but none could take their eyes off of the spectacular display until its culmination some eight minutes later.

Choosing the Stabroek Square as the venue for 2018’s display was a welcome change from the usual Camp Ayanganna venue. It was reported that the new venue was selected because it allowed those on both the east and west banks of Guyana to witness the spectacle.

Guyanese all over the world were not left out of the mix, as they were able to watch the events unfold as they happened through the Guyana Chronicle’s livestream. Well wishes for the nation poured in, as many mentioned their hope that 2018 would be a year of prosperity for Guyana, but also one of togetherness.

Here at home, persons in other parts of Guyana also delighted in the spectacular display through this Online medium.

When the GDF’s stream of fireworks ended, many opted to continue the celebrations by setting off their own fireworks (and firecrackers) in the Square. Subsequently, the bright lights on the market were dimmed by the thick layer of smoke from the pyrotechnics.

Eventually, the crowd dispersed, some to spend some time with their families, some to enjoy the abundant parties around the town, while others called it a night.

Definitely, for those who were able to see it, the display ushered the year in with a bang.