Phagwah 2022, a true “One Guyana” concept – Ramson

After two years in lockdown, Guyanese turned up in the thousands to be a part of Holi celebrations at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD). The event was the brainchild of Culture Minister, Charles Ramson Jr and saw people from all walks of life smudging each other with water and colour.
According to the Minister, the scene is a historic one, since it promotes the “One Guyana” concept that President Dr Irfaan Ali has been pushing. In an interview with Guyana Times

, he stated that the concept is one that is important to the Government and the President was the one who came up with the concept to bring the country together.
“We know how beautiful Guyana is especially with the composition of the diversification of our cultures and it has to be celebrated… but it is truly remarkable and unique when it is celebrated together and that is why the One Guyana concept is important to us as a people…,” the Minister stated.

He reiterated that Guyanese are stronger together, while noting that the importance of relying on each other was evident, coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“What more of a message we can get coming out of that, knowing that we survived meant that we relied on each other. It is a very powerful message that remains for Guyana and the rest of the world.”

However, with respect to a certain section of the populace who were against the grand event soon after the relaxation of the restrictions, the Minister stated that criticism is always taken on board and should not be ignored.

“We are guided by what is happening in the world… several major events such as the Superbowl where the entire stadium was filled… so what are we saying there, are we going to lock and bury our heads in the sand with respect to the rest of the world moving out on this… we are one of the countries that led in the world in how we dealt with COVID – one was that we prioritised our vaccines and two, when we hosted events we were very strict with our regiment and implementation of our regulations that allowed people to attend… it was very important that we balance the interest of our people but at the same time we cannot bury our heads in the sand,” the Minister stressed.
He took the opportunity to wish Guyanese a happy Holi and urged them to remain safe as they celebrate.
The coordinator of the event, WR Reaz in an invited comment told the publication that it was a wonderful scene to see everyone coming out to be a part of the event after two long years in lockdown.
“I feel excited to be part of this… we as people have been starved for entertainment and as such, congratulations to the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry for spearheading the event – one that as well received based on the huge turnout,” he added.
He further noted that historically, 15 young Guyanese performers took to the stage including Chutney Queen Vanita Willie, Bunty Singh, Tony Cutz and Richie Hansraj. Nevertheless, one of the main performers was no other than Terry Gajraj who told this publication that it was indeed a happy moment to see Guyanese from all walks of life congregating in one space to celebrate the holiday.
He noted that since the pandemic surfaced, he has not performed in Guyana before such a massive crowd. The US-based Guyanese thanked the organisers for executing the event smoothly while at the same time urging Guyanese to continue practicing safety.
Meanwhile, those who flocked the stadium were definitely in a party mood – dancing to every tune booming through the speakers. Waving and having a grand time was the order of the day. Some patrons who travelled from the United States to be in Guyana for the celebrations did not hesitate to have a grand time. One related that the pandemic had held them hostage but with the virus gradually disappearing, lives can return to normalcy.