The Guyana Independence Celebration Committee, New York (GICCNY), said on Monday that it is getting ready to host the New York celebration of Guyana’s 53rd Anniversary of Independence this year.
This year’s celebration theme is “Fan the Flame of Guyanese Patriotism.”
GICCNY said the New York celebration is “Guyana’s largest independence commemoration outside of Guyana.
“Thousands of Guyanese from the New York City tristate area and throughout North America flock Brooklyn annually for the independence festivities,” GICCNY said. “This outpouring of support has grown the event into the second largest Caribbean celebration in New York City, after the Labor Day Parade.”
The organization’s website, celeb
The overall commemoration commences with the Consul General’s interfaith service at York College in Queens on May 19, followed by the Consul General’s official ceremony on May 24.
GICCNY said it will host a youth symposium on May 27, at Medgar Evers College, under the theme “Our Youth: Moving Guyana Forward.”
The main celebration will take place on Sunday, June 2. It comprises the annual Guyanese Independence Parade on Church Avenue in Brooklyn, followed by the Flag Raising Ceremony and after parade Unity Concert at a venue to be announced.
GICCNY said the parade will be led by members of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF), the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Guyanese-Americans in US law enforcement and the US military.
The joint military and law enforcement officers will also conduct the Flag Raising ceremony. Ten GDF officers and two police officers will travel to New York to represent the Joint Services of Guyana at the celebration, GICCNY said.
It said Guyana government officials who have been invited include Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of Health Volda Lawrence, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, Minister in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, Minister of Public Affairs Dawn Hastings-Williams, Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine and Director of Sports, Christopher Jones.
Artistes who are scheduled to perform include Guyana’s reigning Calypso King “Mighty Believer,” Kenroy Fraser; Guyanese-American hip-hop artiste Lia Givenchy; Stichy, the One Man Band; Carib Soca Monarch Brandon Hardin; Chutney Monarch and runner-up Soca Monarch Steven Ramphal; third place Soca Monarch runner-up Vintage; Trevon VibeZ; Adrian Dutchin; Chutney legend Terry Gadraj; former two-time Calypso Monarch Diana Chapman; and Guyanese-American rapper Kelsy More.
Others are: Gospel artistes Saiku and Jeremiah; dancer Jonnel Shury; reggae artiste Omaje; dancehall artiste Jory; and artiste Blaze Anthonio.
GICCNY said all performers will be accompanied by Angel Caribbean Band and DJ Mix Master Tony.
The event will be hosted by radio personality Malcolm Ferreira, Dr. Rose October and comedian Trey Sancho, GICCNY said.
It said organizations, businesses, groups or individuals who are interested in participating in the celebration, placing trucks or floats on the parade, or in vending, may contact the Committee at www.celeb
