The Guyana Cultural Association, New York (GCA), under the theme “Guyana’s Cultural Vibes Vivid and Alive @25,” celebrated its Silver Jubilee with a calendar of events that began with a Summer Series Workshop from July 7 to Aug. 15, marked with culture, patriotism, tradition, and community.
The Aug. 31 Folk Festival Funday, a signature event, was held at Old Boys High School grounds in Brooklyn from noon until 8 p.m., capping off the season with an eclectic blend of dance, live performances, and funnyman emcee Michael” Beyonce” Ignatius, who kept the immense crowd entertained with a bellyful of laughter.
The day’s proceedings opened with a libation to honor the ancestors, including the late Cultural Director extraordinaire Claire Ann Goring, before a spirited performance by the Ayoung Dance Company, which traveled from Guyana as part of a One Guyana contingent.
The vibrancy of Guyana’s rich heritage was on show during the hours-long cultural explosion, which included Vibes at 25! Guyana Cultural Association NY Throws a Cultural Bash for the Ages, accompanied by the Angels Caribbean Band. The Guyana Baboo singer whipped out a Golden Arrowhead flag of freedom, aroused the colorfully dressed crowd, and the popular artist joined in the gesture.
The nonstop energy on stage from soca superstars Nekeita, Diana Chapman, and Calvin Burnett, and Reggae singer Colle Kharris got patrons on their feet to dance to the infectious performances under the delightful Brooklyn sunshine.
Choreographies by the JORO Dance Company, X Factor Dance Company, and the Demerara Dancers, as well as the Jeggae and Akoyaw Kweh-Kweh combo, showcased Guyana’s rich multicultural artistry.
In addition to the smell of Guyana’s diverse cuisine emanating from food boots, artisans displayed their creative artwork and jewelry for sale, as did Guyana Consul General Michael E. Brotherson and staff, who handed out merchandise and tourism brochures.
Ambassador Brotherson congratulated GCA, lauded the organization, and wished members continued growth as they propagated the culture to the world.
He extended greetings from President Irfaan Ali and the people of Guyana, noting the significance of the organization’s signature events. He encouraged the beaming crowd to enjoy the festival and continue to support GCA.
NYS Senator Roxanne J. Persaud, who is Guyanese-born and represents the 19th Senate District, thanked nationals for upholding their traditions.
“It’s always my pleasure to support GCA. I know Claire Goring is looking down, and as you can see, the sun is shining. Claire is happy to know the festival is continuing,” she said of the late Cultural Director Claire Ann Goring.
Please give GCA a round of applause for all the great things they do to ensure that the Guyanese culture is enjoyed across New York, especially for the children. They want to ensure everybody understands how great it is to celebrate the 25th Anniversary.”
“Congratulations, we are looking forward to you celebrating another 25 years. May God continue to bless you,” said Senator Persaud.
NYS Assembly Member Monique Chandler Waterman, representing the 58th Assembly District, spoke of traveling to Guyana with Sen. Persaud, enjoying the delicious food, and meeting nationals.
“Happy Anniversary, 25 years of Caribbean excellence to the Cultural Association of New York. Thank you for accepting me as part of the culture.”
“I appreciate you, one love, and remember we are all Caribbean together, and when they come for one, they come for all,” quipped Assembly Member Chandler-Waterman.
Longtime GCA member Patricia Jordan-Langford attended the Gala in honor of “my good friend Claire Ann Goring,” despite her limitations.
“In remembrance of our last Ayah. We spoke on that last farewell about many past, present, and future things. Maybe she knew it was going to be our last conversation. Some of it was funny, and we laughed, some reflective of her present circumstances that were sometimes perplexing, and some disappointments. Even though she was in pain, she thought about the future of GCA.”
“I silently was hoping that there was more time,” said Jordon-Langford, adding, “The GCA 25th Anniversary Jubilee Gala was in honor of her determination to see it through to the end. I am sure her spirit was present, so I had to be there to honor who she was.
“My friend, a warrior with the determination of a combatant, the celebration of Guyanese culture was important to her. She fought many battles, climbed many mountains, and overcame disappointments; however, she smiled, with her head up, and trudged along. I could not let her spirit be there, and I was not! It was a struggle for me. But I got through the night with my daughter and friends.”
“I can smile when I think of Claire G, and what she would say. Ayah girl, you’re so stubborn,” shared Jordon-Langford.
The 25th Anniversary showcased the years of progress made by the non-profit, which also handed out merit awards at an Aug. 27 gala.
Honorees are Francis Quamina Farrier, MS. – Lifetime Achievement Award, Julio Thijs- Exemplary GCA Award, Fitzgerald Giddings Jr. Cultural Enabler-Business Partner – Doris Rodney, Gordon A. Mosley, Ken Rampersaud, Melnia Cordis, Tony Singh, GCA Award. 1st Sherene Noble, 2nd Mark Archer, and 3rd Phelham VanCooten received the Godfrey Chin Prize for Heritage Journalism.
Others are: Kurleigh Lowe, The Derry Etkins Memorial Prize for Excellence in Music Composition, Performance, and Preservation, and Dr. Wendy Rudder, A.A. The Derry Etkins Memorial Prize for Service and Commitment to Music Education in Guyana.
GCA also hosted a Symposium and literary Hang on Aug 24 and a Kwe Kwe and Performing Arts Nite on Aug. 26.
To learn more and to donate, go to www. https://guyfolkfest.org.
