Thousands in Florida celebrate Guyana's independence
Guyana Chronicle
June 6, 2004
THOUSANDS of Guyanese in Orlando, Florida turned out to celebrate Guyana's 38th anniversary of Independence. The event was the first Guyanese Independence Family Day and Cultural Show and was held at Orlando's Turkey Lake Park on Sunday, May 30, 2004.
Held under the distinguished patronage of Guyana's Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Bayney Karran, the day was described as a "cultural nostalgia", as several Guyanese artistes entertained the patriotic crowd with renditions of Guyanese songs.
The event was hosted by the Guyanese American Cultural Association of Central Florida. Top Guyanese designer Godfrey Chin transformed the nature park to `Guyana' with attendees checking in at `Timehri' before proceeding to other parts of the `country'.
American born children of Guyanese heritage experienced queh queh songs and dances as well as traditional Guyanese folk song. The wide variety of tasty Guyanese dishes was completely sold out, as were the mauby and sorrel drinks.
According to the event public relations officer, Mr. Ralph Seeram, all funds raised at the celebration will go to charity organisations in Guyana.
In a message to the association, Ambassador Bayney Karran noted that "celebrations like these provide occasions for our nationals to renew bonds, preserve their links, maintain their culture and express their patriotism in a foreign land".
Platinum sponsor for the occasion was Cel*Star Guyana Inc. Mr. Wesley Kirton, head of Cel*Star, described the day as a resounding success. Other top sponsors for the celebration, included BWIA, which donated two return tickets from Miami to Georgetown, Universal Airlines, which provided a free return trip from Fort Lauderdale to Georgetown, and Laparkan, which made a substantial cash donation.
Even though it was a Guyanese event, nationals from various Caribbean islands were also in attendance. The occasion was broadcast live by a local radio station, and was filmed to preserve the historic event.