WITH Guyana on the cusp of massive development, Guyanese in the diaspora are continuously being urged to return home, not only to invest, but to benefit from what their homeland has to offer.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, on Sunday, made this call once again at Folk Festival 2022 held in Brooklyn, New York.
The event was organised by the Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. and was held under the theme, “CARIFESTA @50- Reflection and Legacies.”
Minister McCoy in his address said: “Our government, through the equitable application of Guyana’s growing economic market intends to empower every man, woman and child across every nook and cranny of our country, regardless of religion, class, creed, social our political orientation or disposition.”
The festival, the Minister said has come a long way and reflects the resolute leadership of the Cultural Association of New York.
“It has grown exponentially and in quality and has indeed become an institution of our culture, and an indispensable homage of our Guyanese of our country,” he added.
According to Minister McCoy, the government is committed to supporting the work of the organisation in meaningful and tangible ways and remains open to collaborations that will redound to the further growth and expansion of the traditional festival.
“We implore the Guyana Cultural Association of New York and every patriotic Guyanese here in New York and across the diaspora communities to do all in your power as often as you can to help forge the realisation of a ‘One Guyana’. We urge you to partner with the Guyana Government in active efforts to overcome the menacing obstacles and challenges that still beset us,” he said.
Reiterating the call for Guyanese to return home, Minister Walrond urged those at the gathering to “come home” and explore the exciting world of tourism Guyana has to offer.
“Being Guyanese means that we are six peoples. We celebrate each other, we encourage each other, we are all part of Guyanese tapestry.”
She noted that Guyana offers a unique melting pot of experiences enjoyed by many visitors.
“We see that a lot of foreigners, a lot of people are buying into [the experience], a lot of people are interested in that. They are so in awe when they come to Guyana and see how we celebrate our Amerindians, how we eat each other’s food and we go to churches and mosques and temples and we enjoy each other,” she said adding that there is “magic” in Guyana.
During the visit, the ministers also met and interacted with New York State Senator Roxanne Persaud, who is a Guyanese, and Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, Joe Yusuf.
