–An essential tool in bridging the cultural gap

MINISTER of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock has said that the upcoming Rupununi Music and Arts Festival’s “Georgetown Connection” will serve as an important mechanism in the government’s thrust to bridge the gap between the Hinterland and the Coastland.The “Georgetown Connection” will be hosted tomorrow at Thirst Park from 15:00hrs, and will give Guyanese on the coastland an opportunity to taste some of what the Rupununi has to offer in the areas of song, dance, poetry and craft among other attractions.
During the launch of the Festival at Banks DIH’s Head Office on February 27, Minister Allicock likened the event unto a beautifully coloured rainbow.
“This is an opportunity that allows us to bridge our cultures and gain international recognition,” he said.
“If each and every group in Guyana could follow their history, and be able to portray that on the national scene, it will be like a rainbow; beautifully coloured.”
Minister Allicock said that this will be an opportunity for Guyanese in the Hinterland to link with their brothers and sisters on the coastland, a commitment made by the current administration to unite the country. The Minister said the Music and Arts Festival is just one way of realising such partnerships.
“We have seen the skills of our local people here in Guyana; they have been able to embrace those artists living outside of Guyana, and have gained the experience that Guyana badly needs,” he said, adding:
“But we cannot do this alone; we have to do it in partnership. We believe that we have the persons who can make this happen. So this is a wonderful opportunity to Give Guyana that boost of international recognition and the artists will help us get there.”
Barbadian-based Creative Producer, Bob Ramdhanie, during the launch, highlighted what patrons can expect come tomorrow.
“There’s spoken word, there’s music, there’s dance; and the idea is to share the flavours that are around. We also have some special guests coming in from Barbados,” he said.
Banks DIH is a major partner for the festival, and the company’s Communications Manager, Troy Peters said the beverage conglomerate is pleased to be associated with such an activity.
He called on Guyanese to come out and support the initiative. “This weekend’s festival will certainly be an experience for those who attend,” he said.
“Our company, over the years, has been extremely supportive to art and entertainment, and, once again, we continue to show our commitment,” he added.
Barbados’ youngest calypso monarch and nine-time winner of the title, The Mighty Gabby, will be headlining the one-day event, with other performances coming from Guyana’s finest in music, spoken word, comedy and dance.
The renowned Dave Martins and Friends ensemble will spearhead the local team, and will be joined by several other local artistes.
The Rupununi Music and Arts Festival was first held at Rock View in Region 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo back in 2013.
The 2017 festivities are planned for the Manari Ranch, also in Region Nine from August 18-20.
Plans are also on stream for the establishment of a vibrant Festival Village in the Rupununi, offering a wide range of educational, music and arts related training programmes.
The festival is a collaborative effort involving the government, the private sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).