– promoters already in talks for 2020 event
Guyanese were treated to a magnificent 10 days of fun and frolic as the Guyana Carnival Committee hosted its second annual Guyana Carnival that was undoubtedly dubbed a resounding success.
The 10-day celebrations commenced on May 17 and culminated on May 27, with some of the best concerts and concept parties.
From All White affairs to boat cruises and brunches to the much anticipated “I Am Legend” concert featuring Buju Banton were nothing but spectacular. The attendance at the events were overwhelming and without a doubt, patrons got their monies worth.
Hits and Jams Director Kerwin Bollers, who is also part of the Guyana Carnival Committee, told Guyana Times Entertainmentthat the event this year topped the previous year and it will only get better in the years to come.
He explained that the events were planned to observer Guyana 53rd Independence anniversary in grand style and he is convinced the aim of the event, which is to enhance Guyana’s tourism sector, has been realised.
He added that the Guyana Carnival will continue to plan and execute the event with patrons in mind, with the aim of giving them the best ever party experience that Guyana lacks.
Bollers posited that the talk of the town was the introduction of the Carnival Costume Parade, while admitting that there were a few hiccups in that department.
He explained that there were some challenges with respect to patrons accessing their costumes especially those who would have purchased online. Nevertheless, he hopes by the next carnival, they would be more equipped and efficient in that area.
“The past two years have actually been a learning process for us… We are optimistic that it will be sorted out by the next carnival,” Bollers added. On this note, he also stated that there were some issues with accessing the VIP area. This, he noted, will be revisited and the necessary mechanisms will be put in the place in 2020.
All in all, he noted that in every massive event that is planned, there must be some challenges, but he was elated to also report that there were no reported incidents at the venues where the events were held.
The HJ Director was overly happy to reveal that the service industry has benefited tremendously as a result of hosting of Guyana Carnival.
“We have undoubtedly done our part to boost the economy… we have taken a month that is economically dead and revitalised it… The hotels were filled, the airline had a boost in ticket sales, the food vendors got a piece of the pie, the taxi services and we can go on and one,” an ecstatic Bollers told Guyana Times Entertainment.
Meanwhile, while he did not want to get into a spat with anyone to reveal which event outclassed the others, patrons have spoken. They are of the belief that “Kes – Stinging Nettle” was one of the best shows to be held over the 10-day period, while some were in favour of the J’Ouvert at the National Park Tarmac.
“Wet Wednesday” featuring Machel Montano was another concert that had good reviews but the icing on the cake was definitely the “I Am Legend” concert featuring Jamaican reggae artiste, Buju Banton, who is currently on world tour titled “Long Walk To Freedom”.
Come next year, the Guyana Carnival Committee has promised that with the emergence of the oil and gas industry, the event will be phenomenal.
The tentative dates set for Guyana Carnival 2020 are between May 21 and May 27.
