–visitors

FOREIGNERS, particularly persons who travelled from Trinidad and Tobago to be part of the Guyana Carnival, said the parade and events were good but there is room for improvement.

“When you in Trinidad is fete but here it is a bit softer; but I believe as time goes by it will only get better,” said James Nieuvler, a Guyanese who lived most of his life in Trinidad.
The first ever Guyana Carnival started on May 18, 2018, but all the events were a lead-up to the mega parade on Saturday.
Nieuvler said based on what he saw, Trinidad is way ahead but Guyana has the potential to get better.

“I am glad that there is a start, it is ok and there is room for improvement; a lot of my friends came in and I could tell you, they had a hell of a time at the events,” he said.
He believes that it was not as big as Trinidad’s carnival because Guyanese are a bit more economical and would not spend as much as Trinidadians would on a party.
American, Natalie Pilgrim shared similar sentiments as Nieuvler, noting that she expected more but it was still fun and exciting.

Pilgrim said she will be coming every year because it will only get better, since the organisers and Guyanese will learn how to “fete”.
According to the organisers, Guyana Carnival is a privately owned festival which will take place from May 18 – 27.

“It’s an amalgamation of influential entertainment bodies, the Government of Guyana and other key stakeholders to create a new exciting product to boost tourism, entertainment, and nightlife in our emerging city,” the official website read.

This idea was birthed out of Guyana’s 50th Independence celebration when the country recorded thousands of arrivals of visitors to Guyana. The Minister of Tourism at that time, Cathy Hughes, had said that Guyana should capitalise on celebrating this event on a grand scale annually.

Guyana Carnival is expected to provide a major economic boost to several industries, from taxi drivers to hairdressers, clothing stores to hotels and airlines to restaurants, all of whom are expected to see an increase in business. Further, it is believed that Guyana Carnival will also bring about much-needed exposure to local musicians and DJs.