Calypso Monarch, Roger Hinds (Young Bill Rogers) wowed the crowd with memorable hits, while the hugely popular Ninja Band, and world-renown performer, Tamika Marshall, got nationals on their feet for a loud, entertaining concert, to bring down the curtains on the 17th Annual Guyana Folk Festival in Brooklyn.
A colorful children’s costume band titled: “Spirit of our Festivals” that massed along Sea View Avenue, set the tone for more than 10 hours of music, dance, and delicious Guyanese fare, at a Family Fun Day in the PacPlex Poolside Complex, Canarsie.
In addition to pulsating movement by the Classique Dance Group, Wickord Dalgetty’s folk songs, Caribbean artistes, and the infectious Kwe Kwe ensemble, Guyana Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, and Consul General to New York, Barbara Atherly welcomed expatriates.
Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, along with Sen. Roxanne Persaud and Sen. Kevin Parker also attended the festival.
The vibrant cultural diversity that the Guyana Cultural Association (GCA) has propagated over the years, attracted hundreds of expatriates from across the United States and around the world, who make the annual trek to enjoy a piece of the homeland.
Under its theme “Working Together in the Spirit of Solidarity” CGA which hosted a Caribbean Heritage Summer Workshop series, an awards ceremony, a Kwe Kwe Nite, and a Literary Hang, brought warm fellowship among nationals who were observed hugging and greeting each other with loud hellos, and slaps on the back.
According to organizers, the festival was a resounding success, thanks to sponsors Fly Jamaica, Metro Plus, Con Edison, Money Gram, Western Union, Massay Services, Sybil’s Catering, Crayola — Edward Isaacs, Anything Guyanese, Steve Douglas — Body Art of Guyanese Folk Characters, Dr. Juliet Emanuel, Kishore Seunarine, Wynette Jonas, St. Gabriel’s Church Members, Alex Neptune, Gail Nunes, Tina Zeng – Touch Nails Salon, Leslie Stewart, Guiding Light Construction, and German Restaurant, Lorna’s “Lip-smacking” Pepper Sauce, and others.
GCA would also like to thank NYC Council members, ENG Vision Center, NY Alumni Associations and all who participated, including the Guyana Consulate New York, and St. Gabriel’s Church. Emcees Malcolm Ferreira and Rose October-Edun, and many other performers revved up the festival.
