The 24th Guyana folk festival season ends with spectacular cultural presentation, cuisine and camaraderie

The smells of Guyanese cuisine, infectious music, and pleasant temperatures on Sept. 1 were the perfect elements to bring the 24th Annual Guyana Folk Festival weekend of festivities to a memorable ending.

The spectacular 2024 season included a Summer Workshop Series, an Awards Dinner, and a Kwe Kwe demonstration. It opened with President Ave Marie Brewster-Haynes paying tribute to the late Executive Director of GCA, Claire Ann Goring. A choreography for the late great icon followed that.

Musician Gavin Mendonca then sang hits penned by the late great entertainer Dave Martins. The two Guyanese, whose contributions span decades, have left an indelible mark in the hearts of the Guyanese.

From left, Shawn Thompson, Winston “Jaggae” Hoppy, Dr. Vibert Cambridge, and Akoya Rudder perform a libation and drumming salute to late GCA Executive Director Claire Ann Goring during the Annual Folk Festival fun day at Old Boys and Girls High School in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Past President of GCA, Dr. Vibert Cambridge, joined drummers Winston Jaggae Hoppy and Akoyaw Rudder to pour libation while drumming to honor Goring. A fitting sequence by SMS dancers also remembered the dearly departed cultural icon.

Hosted by viral Tick-Tock sensation Diamond Natural, the Main Stage was on fire with live entertainment. Queens-based Angels Caribbean Band, featuring Gita Bisram, accompanied artists.

A spirited crowd danced and wave flags at the thrilling performance by Soca Monarch 2023 Adrian Dutchin to end the Folk Festival season at Old Boys and Girls High School in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Soca Monarch 2023 and hitmaker Adrian Dutchin brought the audience to the front of the stage for a riveting performance, singing the popular hit “I am a Guyanese,” among other songs. Chutney Soca artist Terry Gajraj also gave a spirited rendition of his favorite song, “Guyana Baboo.”

The celebration continued with performances by Soca Monarch 2024, Carlvin Burnett, choreographies by Demerara Boys, Unique Arts, and the Joro Dance Company. Drumming by Drums 4 Life aroused the spirits of the celebration.

Guyanese and Caribbean nationals, most of them dressed to impress in national colors, packed Old Boys and Girls High School grounds in Crown Heights for the culture at the family fun day.

Vendors littered the circumference of the spacious lawns, busy attending to patrons who purchased tee shirts, leather goods, merchandise, and food. From black and white pudding to various types of rice dishes and drinks, even shaved ice, a childhood favorite back home, was a must during the sunny weather.

What was most heartwarming, though, were the nationals who laughed together, hugged each other, shook hands, and slapped each other on the back in a friendly gesture, all in the spirit of camaraderie.

Nationals felt nostalgic, as many who had traveled from across America to enjoy Guyana’s multicultural heritage were happy to see their country’s people after many years.

A little Guyanese girl proudly shows off a Golden Arrowhead flag during a riveting cultural presentation to end Folk Festival season at Old Boys and Girls High School in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Cornel Ferdinand, a former radio broadcaster and longtime patron of the festival, told Caribbean Life that he loves what the Guyana Cultural Association (GCA) is doing and has done through the years.

“Hopefully, it’s going to get better and better with each passing year.” He recommends that parts of the festival be hosted outside of the New York area, like Washington. “Maybe it will eventually happen,” said Ferdinand.

African Drummer Winston “Jeggae” Hoppy said he has stayed with GCA over the past 20 years because he enjoys entertaining audiences. “I also participate in the Summer Series Workshop (SMS), he shared, noting that the festival fun day is where nationals can come and enjoy their culture.

“If you want to enjoy a good Guyanese culture of music, arts, dance, and family togetherness, this is the place to be,” said Jaggae. 

GCA Executive Member Verna Walcott-White (foreground) led the wedding party at the high-spirited Kwe Kwe demonstration at St. Stephens’ Church Hall in Brooklyn. This was a signature event of the Annual Guyana Folk Festival. She was accompanied by dancer Michele Singh, and African drummer Akoyaw Rudder. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Claire Patterson-Monah said, “We are here to share the culture, and the only way we can do that is by sharing it with the young children so they can have a deep understanding of what our Guyanese culture is all about.” The longstanding executive member reiterated the 2024 theme: Hope, Harmony, and Continuity.

Alex Neptune said, “We love Guyana, and every year, the fun day grows and gets better because people know that GCA puts on a top-rated show. Guyanese people and people from the Caribbean love the music, food, and different things we do here. 

Consul General Ambassador E. Brotherson said this reporter has always been a good representative of the diaspora in New York to spread the Guyanese word, adding, “GCA has always made us proud by organizing this important event every year, and the government has always supported the diaspora events, including the family fun day.”

He applauded Ministers Oneidge Walron and Susan Rodrigues for traveling from Georgetown to represent the government at the event and noted that he had a wonderful day meeting with nationals and participating in the celebration.

The Guyana Cultural Association NY, Inc. thanks generous sponsors Laparkan Shipping, DemVillage, Guyana Undiscovered Department of Youth & Community Development, Sybil’s, Mike Yansen Enterprises, Tutorial Support Group, MetroPlus Health, One Guyana, MSN Air Service, RDEPROS, and all of the vendors, and patrons for their support.