Guyanese from all walks of life, yesterday, were out in their numbers trying to make their purchases before the New Year dawned. Some were shopping for their Old Year's Night outfit.
Just as it was on Christmas Eve, the main shopping areas were full of shoppers. In hot sunshine, they steamed into stores in search of their garments. And the police presence was quite noticeable. This was credited with the drastically reduced crime in the city during the season, as the law enforcement officers maintained peace and tranquility.
Speaking with Kaieteur News, one shopper said that it is a routine for her to wear a brand new outfit on Old Year's Night.
“I believe that the New Year should break me in new things,” the smiling woman said.
Another pointed out that, as much as she is buying a new outfit, she is yet to decide where she is going tonight.
“It is a tradition for me to clear all my expenses before Old Year's Night, so when the New Year breaks I must have no expenses. What I usually do is stay home until midnight, and have money in my pocket. The New Year always does break me with money in my pocket. After the New Year break, then I does go out,” the shopper said.
One businessman told Kaieteur News that he is surprised so many persons are shopping for Old Year's.
“I thought that everybody low on cash, because of how much people shop for Christmas, but from what I seeing today (yesterday), it seems like people was really saving for the holidays,” the businessman said.
Not all persons, however, were shopping for party outfits. There were those who were looking for evening dresses and gowns to go to church.
“Every year, New Year does start with me in church. I make sure that I start the year with the Lord, and everything else can happen after that,” one gentleman said, as he examined a shirt.
As persons shopped yesterday, vendors turned out in their numbers on the pavements still selling items usually reserved for Christmas.
“Some people does dress up them house for New Year's rather than Christmas. That is why I still selling decorations and table cloth and so. Not everybody believe in Christmas,” one vendor commented.
Traffic police were at the major corners around the city as commuters traversed the roads.
Like the stores, the market areas were also filled with people. Many of the meat stands were filled with people seeking prized cuts for their traditional Old Year's Night cook-up rice.
At many corners around the city, groups of friends gathered for that ‘drink'.
And music filled the air as the numerous ‘cool down' carts enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the city.