– The highs and lows of that event
With Guyana’s 16-day Cricket Carnival done and dusted, one would reminisce on all the action, which undoubtedly saw arrivals at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport skyrocket. As we look back at the various events that attracted thousands, the Cricket Carnival can be deemed a huge success.
Kudos to the organising committee, which worked miracles in working around the clock to ensure that all the events were well publicised and promoted on every social media platform. Now that is it all over, we can look back and see that some of the events had an edge over the others.
Let’s start with the Super Concerts that were held at the Guyana National Stadium. The first featured the legendary Beres Hammond who, despite getting down on age, irrefutably serenaded his audience to the fullest, belching out some of his well-known tunes that had the young, old, and not-so-old definitely enjoying every bit of the concert. In fact, he performed longer than his allotted time.
That show also featured Chutney/Soca Sensation Ravi B, who never disappoints, whether on the big stage or small. His performance was electrifying, and his fans were left dripping wet.
However, prior to these two big artistes taking the stage, some locals performed. This is not intended to sound unpatriotic, but some of the locals lack stage presence; their vocals were all over the place, and some felt it was a dancehall show.
Nevertheless, their fans supported them.
The second Super Concert featured Machel Montano, Spice, and Skillebeng. They each had their audience and fans, but, without a doubt, the night belonged to the soca legend Montano. With tune after tune being dished out, it felt as if the tarmac of the National Stadium would cave in. Jumping, wining and screaming were the order of the evening as the soca legend performed.
And President Dr Irfaan Ali took things to another level the moment he took to the stage waving and gyrating like never before. It is indeed the first time in history that a Head of State was seen feting to that magnitude, and his performance was admired across the political divide. While patrons were in shock, they appreciated the President being down-to-earth with one focus: to unify Guyana under the ‘One Guyana’ brand.
Spice – Lord! Oh Lord! – was fantastic. Her energy and sassiness were the highlights of her performance. In her comfort zone, she wriggled, bounced, and flexed that body with ease, thus making her one of the most spectacular female dancehall artistes of all time. After that performance, we hope that Raj is in one piece, and can move his body parts.
Skillebeng, on the other hand, brought his own energy. While many regarded him as a “thug” performer, he contained himself and dished out a mature performance.
Let’s now focus on the Road Parade of Sunday last – the event that drew the curtains on Cricket Carnival. Evidently, there were a few flaws. The parade never got underway until late; the route, which was expected to be filled to capacity, was not; and some of the revellers failed to put on that show we are accustomed to witnessing during the Mashramani celebrations. The music was there, but, as the people say, the vibes were dead.
Some think more planning was needed in this department, and that the bands and revellers were not up to scratch to create that carnival-like atmosphere. Yes, the costumes were excellently showcased, but still something was lacking.
Some other notable events hosted during this time were: the Soca and Wine event, which brought out the fashionistas; the Chutney Show in Berbice; the Duck Curry Competition in Leonora; Cricket Carnival Pageant; Curl Fete and Food Festival. Some events needed more planning and proper execution, especially the “Stink and Dutty” jouvert, which ran low on beverages prior to the artistes coming on stage.
However, we must consider that this is the first year these activities were being staged, and there must be hiccups and shortcomings. Next year, we anticipate a much bigger and more exciting Cricket Carnival. Kudos once again to the Government of Guyana and the organizing committee and, more importantly, the sponsors.
