The history of Guyana’s journey over the last 50 years, its beauty and multicultural heritage were displayed in a spectacular kaleidoscope of colorful costumes as revelers danced along the streets of Georgetown on May 26, during the country’s Independence celebration.
Thousands of nationals and visitors alike, took full advantage of the 90 degree weather after daily rainfall — many dressed in the colors of the national flag, while others showcased magnificent floats to depicted the theme of the country’s Golden Jubilee — Reflect, Celebrate Inspire.
One of the highlights was the historic image of Queen Elizabeth II, and Guyana’s late freedom fighters — Linden Forbes Burnham and Cheddi Jagan depicted against the map of Guyana, with the sign — “Not a Blade of Grass” in reference to the Guyana / Venezuela border.
Miss World Guyana 2016, Lisa Punch, who was not born when Guyana became an independent nation on May 26, 1966, delighted in the parade with a towering float of the Treaty of Chaguaramas which was signed in 1973. The piece showed then Caribbean leaders who were a part of the historic treaty.
Forty-two-year-old Samantha De Freitas a resident of Region 5, Berbice, said it was an honor to be a part of the costume parade to celebrate Guyana 50th Independence, as she masqueraded in a float which portrayed Guyana’s thriving agriculture sector.
Avril Chung from Georgetown was three years old when history was made in Guyana and as she reveled in the Ministry of Agriculture’s “Reflecting and celebrating our Cultivation” contingent, she felt proud of Guyana’s achievement, and excited to be a part of her country’s development.
The costume parade which began on the Avenue of the Republic moved past Georgetown’s landmark Stabroek Market and on to Georgetown’s historic Brickdam thoroughfare before ending at the D’Urban Stadium where the parade was judged.
Floats from the Ministries of Education, Natural Resources, Indigenous People, and hundreds of other costumed revelers participated in the parade.
Guyana’s legendry folktale Masquerade band, with Mother Sally and Mad Cow, were entertaining, as bystanders take in the stirring, historic moment, that were captured for future generation to enjoy.
