Thousands flocked to Independence Park on Friday evening in support of the University of Guyana Students Society (UGSS) sponsored "Stop de Killing" concert.
The event, billed as a tribute to deceased UG Student, Yohance Douglas and victims of the ongoing crime wave, were treated to musical and other renditions by both local and overseas artistes.
The show, which started shortly after 8:00pm and lasted for approximately four hours, was aired live on Channel 28 VCT while spectators had the benefit of a large projection screen for better viewing.
The audience, clad mostly in red and dark-coloured outfits, stood quietly during the performances. But popular calypsonians including Lady Tempest with her mash piece 'Survival of the Fittest' and Winfield James with 'Enough is Enough' briefly spun sections of the crowd into action while many sang along to the tunes of First Born.
Barbadian John King sang 'How Many More,' a song adopted by many as the anthem of the current violence. This was the climax to a well-organised event which saw spectators spilling into nearby Middle street and other vantage points in the Cummingsburg neighbourhood.
Soon after, the crowd seemingly satisfied with the show, and deterred by the threat of rain, began drifting away, although other artistes including calypsonians Rebel and Singing Coco continued to entertain the diehards.
Although there were no major hiccups, the performance of Margaret Vieira was interrupted by a falling light post, which sent spectators fleeing in temporary panic. It was not until MC Stoute joked that they were there to show support for a struggle and a simple light post had got them running did persons settle down. Other performers at the event included talk show host Basil Bradshaw with his lyrical poetry, the National Dance Company, the Crystal Lite dance group, UG students and friends of Douglas along with some of his basketball colleagues. (Oscar P. Clarke)