The COVID 19 pandemic may have put a damper on the usual Independence Day flag-raising celebration, but that did not stop the Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport within the Ministry of the Presidency, from putting on a virtual culture show like no other.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, in his speech, said, “Since the Coalition Government took office, it has tried to celebrate Guyana’s Independence with similar jubilation. Unfortunately, the global COVID 19 pandemic has put a pause on all celebratory activities which involve mass gathering and physical social interaction. But this will not prevent us from marking this incredible achievement in the best way possible at this time.”
He further said the department believes this Independence Day is the most appropriate time for every Guyanese to reflect on how far they have come as a nation; a nation that has seen bravery, sacrifice and resilience in its truest forms.

The Virtual show which was held at the National Cultural Center featured some of Guyana’s most celebrated artiste inclusive of Charmaine Blackman, Alabama, Mark Batson, Bunty Singh, Steven Ramphal, Vanilla, Jomo Primo, Cherlyn Maloney and who energized the virtual crowds with some of their biggest hits. The artistes paid homage to Guyana and its diverse cultural freedom as it relates to entertainment.

The department said in a statement that its vision for the show was to provide a familiar feel in this season. It stated that persons would be home and would want access to entertainment in this time where lockdown is the word of the day. The department said that the concert was a ‘Celebration of everything Guyanese, a celebration as one people’ adding that although Guyanese people could not come together physically they were able to do so through the virtual platform which saw almost five thousand persons viewing the celebration.

In addition to the musical performances, the stage was also lit with a kaleidoscope of colours as the National Dance Company, the Berbice Delight Dancers and the Nappi Culture Group and gave exhilarating performances that captivated the virtual viewers.
Guyanese history and art were showcased in a big way during the Virtual Independence Concert and the celebration touched not only the hearts of Guyanese residing at home but also Guyanese all over the diaspora.