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Bahamas Acceptance Speech

Hon. Charles Maynard Minister Of State For Culture Commonwealth Of The Bahamas at The Closing Ceremony Of Carifesta X Georgetown, Guyana August 31, 2008.

I bring you warm greetings on behalf of Our Prime Minister, The Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham, the government and people of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. I would firstly like to congratulate President Hon. Bharat Jagdeo and the people of Guyana on your outstanding hosting of Carifesta X, which concludes today.
For the past ten days, we have seen the people of Guyana spare no effort to welcome the people of the Caribbean to your beautiful shores, and against the backdrop of your beautiful country, you have provided exciting opportunities and venues for us all to showcase our cultures. I think I can speak for all of the visiting delegates and say a special thank you to all the liaison officers who have gone above and beyond to make our stay pleasurable.
My government is especially indebted to Guyana for your hosting of Carifesta X, because it was The Bahamas who accepted the mantle to host Carifesta X at the closing of Carifesta IX in Port-Of-Spain, Trinidad in 2006. In the intervening period, unforeseen circumstances at home made it necessary for us to defer our commitment to 2010, and we were therefore delighted and thankful when Guyana stepped in to bring Carifesta back to its birth place which considering this was the tenth festival seems the right place for it any way.
This magnanimous act on your part, has further strengthened the strong bonds that already exist between our two nations, and we anticipate even closer ties as we move forward together. I would like to express my personal appreciation for the insight and advice offered to us from The Hon. Frank Anthony as I now must fill the large shoes which he has capably worn for the last year. Guyana has carried the CARIFESTA movement to another level by being innovative and we must now take the baton and run with it.
In the interim, the close cultural bonds forged among all of our nations by Carifesta should continue to flourish and grow, and in this vein, The Bahamas looks forward to very shortly hosting Professor Rex Nettleford and the National Dance Company of Jamaica, as the University of the West Indies observes its sixtieth anniversary. The Government of the Bahamas expects to support a number of such signature events leading up to 2010 and beyond.
At one of the Symposia this week, Earl Lovlace asked a question: “What have we done with what we have done?” The question for us is “what will be done with what we have done here for the past ten days”. The new model of CARIFESTA is geared toward building cultural industries throughout this region. This evening, we pledge our full and sincere support of the vision for Carifesta, and we proudly reaffirm our commitment to host Carifesta XI in The Bahamas, in the year 2010.
In that year, we will welcome the people of the Caribbean to our beautiful archipelago of seven hundred islands, for a joyous celebration of our unique cultures. For the past ten days, we have been given an excellent example of a successful Carifesta, and we accept the challenge to do likewise.
I would also like to remind you that annually we welcome over five million visitors to our shores, and in 2010 we are extending a special invitation to the world, to come and experience the Caribbean at its best, in The Bahamas. The Carifesta Experience will be showcased to an international audience like never before.
So until then, we leave you with the sights and sounds of the Spirit of The Bahamas….Junkanoo. Thank you and Good Evening!

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Genesis Fashion Rhythm

Sets stage for Music Awards in November

A stunning fashion interface displaying an array of stylish and exquisite outfits by local designers will be the centre of attraction in the heart of the City, on September 28, 2008, as another event to the run-up of Accolade- the music awards of Guyana.

Titled, Genesis – Fashion Rhythm, this display will blend into a perfect ambiance of restful flowers in a serene evening-setting at the Promenade Gardens, Middle Street, Georgetown.

Genesis aims to highlight the symbiotic relationship between entertainment and business in Guyana. It identifies with the beginning of times where there was a fusion of fashion and music which transcended into a rhythm that will reverberate throughout the nation.

Local celebrity musicians will become vivid and bold among professional models who will all step onto a three-dimensional catwalk fitted in clothing by local designers. These selected designs will give the Guyanese public a sneak preview of what can be worn at Accolade- the music awards of Guyana, on November 30.

Genesis is different and daring and represents a tremendous step forward in the local entertainment sphere. The producers promise to live up to the expectations with quality by confident designers and music professionals. Definitely the evening will see stunning performances by Guyana’s top entertainers defining a moment of classic entertainment.

Capitalizing on a successful launch in July, Accolade endeavours to build on the outpouring support by sponsors, music producers/professionals, music lovers among thousands of well wishers and friends.

Genesis is being produced by Michelle Cole-Rose, the 2008 Official Designer of the Accolade Music Awards Guyana.

Model casting call set for Sunday, September 7, 2008

A casting for models to be part of the Genesis –fashion Rhythm is slated for Sunday. September 7, 2008, at Zoom Inn, at 12Noon.

The height requirement for women is 5ft 7″ and above and for men 5ft 9″ and above.

Those inclined to attend the casts must walk with 4″ high heels shoes to parade before the panel in their attempt to make the best impression.

For further information, contact Romana Halls, ‘Facts N Roses’ – Tele 225-5260, or 661-5161

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The Carifesta X Opening Ceremony

The thirty-six year wait is over! Guyana hosts CARIFESTA again and after many doubts and glitches the opening ceremony is nothing short of magnificent. This massive event held on August 22nd, 2008 at the Guyana National Stadium brought entertaining cultural displays to life from the member of states, associate members and non-members respectively (Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Monsterrat, St. Lucia, St. Kitts/Nevis, Suriname, Turks and Caicos and Trinidad and Tobago; Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands; Austria, Brazil, Cuba, Indonesia, Netherland Antilles and Venezuela.) Hosted under the theme “One Caribbean, One Purpose, Our Life, Our Culture” CARIFESTA’s tenth staging is slated for August 22 – 31 2008 and promises to bring opening and closing ceremonies, culinary, visual, literary and performing arts, community festivals, grand cultural market, child/youth fora, symposia and workshops, as well as signal events and super concerts.

Despite efforts by heavy rain to thwart the commencement of the opening ceremony things eventually started around 18:00hrs with a grand parade of the nations. Each country showed their colours and cultural pieces as they marched around the ground and the audience cheered and showed their support for the home nation. Guyana had the largest contingent with spectacles showcasing each race and cultural aspect. After the parade was finished MC’s Ron Robinson and Bobby Veira asked all in attendance to stand for Guyana’s National Anthem. Minister within the Ministry of Education Desrey Fox along with a Queh Queh group initiated a welcome piece labelled “Arise Mighty Spirit and Bless Us”. There were musical interludes by choirs, solo and group artistes and bands, and dance segements also. One thousand school dancers presented a well choreographed performance to various songs, followed by a combined school choir and the popular Woodside Choir doing great local folk songs and some Caribbean tunes. As the performances stretched on for hours the grand audience experienced talent from a combined Indian Dance Troupe, the Yoruba Singers, Young Bill Rogers, the Ala Kondre Drummers, Keith Waite and the Shakti Combined Chutney Group. The supporters in attendance cheered continuosly as they were well entertained.

The following segment was opened with a speech by Minister of Tourism Dr. Frank Anthony emphasising on the theme “Celegacy”. Celegacy is a combination of celebration and legacy which Dr. Anthony stated should be instilled and maintained for this year’s CARIFESTA. Edwin Carrington, Secretary General of CARICOM, gave a brief talk on CARIFESTA’s schedule dating back to 1972 and posited that he was impressed with Guyana’s ability to complete such a huge task so elegantly when such a short notice was given. The President of Suriname, Runaldo Ventiaan, agreed with Mr. Carrington and added that CARIFESTA X’s opening ceremony is as grand as Beijing’s Olympic Opening. He said further that even though everything didnt go as planned we should still be grateful that so much has come from this.

First Born and the X Factor dance group entered the next segment with a bang showcasing world renowned musical and dance talent that rose the crowd to it’s feet. And just when we thought that was as far as they could go a huge man-made jaguar emerged from the south-western end of the ground an unleashed 36 dancers from it’s mouth who danced us into excitement for a few moments and then made way for Guyana’s very own President, His Excellency Bharat Jagdeo.

President Jagdeo’s job was to declare CARIFESTA X open and ready for the world. He made tribute to the last president Forbes Burnham and commended him for hosting the very first CARIFESTA in 1972. He also stated that there was no other festival of this size and cultural richness in the world and encouraged everyone to become extremely involved. CARIFESTA X was declared open and fireworks then filled the sky while the sensual Tamika Marshal sang the theme song and the contingents paraded once more. There was much anticipation of the remaining eight days and chatter of fun as guests at the National Stadium left under the bright lights in the sky.

By Patrice Wishart

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Miss Guyana-World Night Selection

Press Release

Dear Editors,

The Organising Committee of the Miss Guyana-World Pageant are pleased to invite you to the ‘Selection Night’ of Miss Guyana-World 2008 on Wednesday August 13, 2008 at Zoom Inn International Hotel on South Road from 20:00 hrs

The night will feature fashion pieces up for auction from the newly appointed official designer of Miss Guyana-World, Michelle Cole-Rose. The young lady selected will represent Guyana at the Miss World Pageant in Ukraine in September and she will fly out to London next week accompanied by the new local Co-ordinator Mr. Ghalee Khan to meet with franchise holder Mr. Kenneth Chung before winging out to the Ukraine for the competition.

Several other international pageants are slated for the rest of the year and we intend to have representation at these also:

MISS CARIBBEAN WORLD in the IN THE B. V.ISLANDS.

MISS EUROPE & WORLD JUNIOR Pageant from 20/SEPT. to 5/OCT/08 IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC.

FACE OF THE UNIVERSE Pageant in Ghana from 6-19 OCT 2008

MISS GLOBE INTERNATIONAL 2008 from 4-19 OCT 2008 in ALBANIA AND MACEDONIA.

MISS YOUNG INTERNATIONAL 2008 from10-30 OCT 2008, in TAIWAN.

There will therefore be a sashing and crowing exercise of the selected model to represent us at the Miss World Pageant tomorrow night. Your presence is highly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Stan Gouveia
Public Relations Officer
Miss Guyana-World Organising Committee
Tel: 667-8757, 218-4776

WWW.MISSWORLD.ORG
WWW.MISSSTAR.ORG

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When you think Christians can’t P.A.R.T.Y. think again?

The Guyanese Gospel popular Trio Kester D, Eddie Neblett and Solid Youth is set to be part of the 3rd event from dancehallgospel.com and Turning Point Promotions. The promoters have had great success in their last two events at the Main Big Lime last Boxing Day and on the Sea wall band stand Easter Monday. Both events thus far has included international Gospel sound systems and artiste such as L-egant ( New York) DJ Evangelist ( Canada) Baby C ( Trinidad ).

The Third installment titled the Holy Ghost P.A.R.T.Y which will be kept at the new improved Ocean View Poolside promises to be a great night filled with clean entertainment, games, music and much more. When asked why such an event, the promoters responded by saying “Christians have no where much to go and fellowship where the atmosphere can be glorifying to Jesus.” He elaborated by saying “if you go to a regular eatery to fellowship the music and conduct of many is out of order and we cannot afford to compromise our walk with the Lord.”

As many would know the word “party” is associated with things contrary to the lifestyle of a Christian, it was made very clear that it’s not the same at the Holy Ghost P.A.R.T.Y. The promoters highlighted that P.A.R.T.Y is an acronym for Praise And Reverence To Yahweh.

At the Holy Ghost party there is no alcoholic beverages being served and a dress code of fashionable and modest attire is in effect. The event which seems to attract many also includes DJ Evangelist from Toronto Canada and Craig C from Kingston Jamaica. There will be live video taping by Guyana’s popular gospel T.V. show Things Gospel.

When you think the entry fee for an event such as this would cost over a thousand dollars think again, The Holy Ghost P.A.R.T.Y tickets is only 500 dollars and is available at Swansea and Everything Music outlets.

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Michelle Cole-Rose Gets Official Designer of The Music Awards of Guyana

Arrowhead Promotions, Press Release, Thursday, July 31, 2008. – As Accolade aims for one of the most classy and picturesque productions in modern Guyana, local designer of Facts ‘n’ Roses, Michelle Cole-Rose has won the coveted title of Official Designer of the Music Awards of Guyana.

Accolade Executive Committee unanimously voted in favour of Cole- Rose, convinced that her experience, ability and commitment to the fashion world would add to the radiant elegance and dramatic statement intended for the Music Awards of Guyana.

Cole-Rose was formally notified of this nomination which she has since accepted. She will now be appointed an Ex-officio member of the Executive Committee of the Accolade.

The decision to name her the Official Designer represents a symbol of accomplishment and aspiration in the career of this young dynamic Guyanese woman with great potential.

The Executive Committee is anxious to have her on board, confident that her artistic skills and ability will definitely contribute to the overall success of the music awards.

A true representation of success, since the day, in her eleventh year, when she had gotten her first sewing machine, Michelle’s innovation grew; making uniforms for school friends by the age of twelve, then onwards to making a living from her creations by fifteen. Many years after, Michelle Cole still strikes the iron as hot as she had then, for now her clothes are carried in some of the best boutiques in the Caribbean and in the United States.

Michelle is a nature and fun-loving gal, this can be evident in her designs, with natural fibers, earth tones, stones, wooden beads, shells, paintings and raffia; for her goal as a fashion designer is to ‘Recreate nature through celebration, as nature itself is a celebration of life’. Indeed this is true for her clothes expresses nothing short of comfort, vibrancy and beauty.

Her first stage performance was at Michelle’s high school fashion show. Thereafter came her ‘big break’ in 1999 when she won the best gown award at the Miss Guyana Universe, which gave way to her being the designer of the queen’s wardrobe. She then also designed for the queens of the Miss Guyana Talented Teen, Miss Guyana World, Miss Guyana Mashramani, Miss Queen of the Caribbean, Miss Carnival and Miss Model International Pageants. Her designs were also presented at the Folk Festival celebration in Brooklyn, New York, the Fashion Caribbean Showcase in St. Vincent, the Barbados Fashion Week, Caribbean Gift and Craft Show in Barbados, the Fashion Showcase in St. Lucia, MODA in New York, Caribbean Fashion Week and the Fashion Week of the Americas in Miami among others.

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Accolade Executive Members Interacts with Local Music Producers

Arrowhead Promotions, Tuesday, July 29, 2008, – Executive Members of Accolade today met with local music producers as preparations intensify for Guyana’s first-ever Music Awards on November 30. The meeting which was held at Vizion Sounds, Anira Street Queenstown was designed to raise awareness and strengthen support for the Awards.

Executive Director of Accolade, Kwame Mc Coy described the engagement as fruitful, noting that the producers unanimously share the vision of the music awards as an excellent avenue for further growth of the industry. Ms. Teesha Mohabeer and Mr. Burchmore Simon were also present.

Mc Coy said ‘’the local music industry has exciting growth potential, but there must be greater unity among musicians if we are to excel and compete at the international level.’’

The accolade will significantly boost the music industry’s confidence in initiating steps towards achieving and sustaining quality, he assured.

He believes there is growing respect and support for the local industry which stands to benefit Guyana by creating new and exciting jobs, expanding our economy and encouraging the growth of our local culture.

Accolade coincides with the strategic efforts to ‘’promote Guyana’’, by showcasing its rich and diverse arts and cultures. The unique exhibition of our local talent (at another level) is the continuation of the unleashing of our vast potentials in the music industry.

Once again Guyana will be making its mark in the international arena by rewarding artistic excellence in the music industry through a premier event comparable to international Award shows such as the Grammy’s and the one produced by BET.

There is a line up of fantastic performances will represent a climax for the local entertainment diehards and at the same time promote and represent a hype for the local music industry. Guyanese are asked to prepare themselves for an event which can only be billed as an excellent experience – from red carpet entrances to outstanding local and regional performances from a mind blowing awards ceremony to international celebrity endorsements.

The music industry is at a critical crossroad and deserves every effort to highlight its achievements, motivate its artistes, elevate standards, encourage artistic excellence and utilize talents that may be inclined to engage in negative endeavours.

This celebration of achievements in the music industry will be Guyana’s most prestigious gala event.

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Accolade- The Music Awards Of Guyana

SALUTATION

It is an absolute honour and privilege to stand before you wonderful people this evening to share the vision of Accolade- the music awards of Guyana.

But first I would particularly like to welcome all those gathered here to celebrate with us the achievements in the music industry, especially those partners who have demonstrated their confidence in us by coming on board with resources that are necessary to make this event successful. The achievement I refer to represents a continuous journey by dozens of artiste, music producers, and DJ’s whose talent, immense hard work and absolute passion has driven us to this point.

Bringing people to a love of music and encouraging them to participate in and enjoy musical experiences is a special gift given to mankind unfortunately not to all of us in this room. It is the legacy of great sons of music of Guyana that dedicated their time, talent and enthusiasm to this new generation of musicians who in turn are expected to emulate the generosity to encourage the musicians of tomorrow.

I am personally delighted that this effort to host the music awards of Guyana is most timely as it coincides with a period of an upsurge in recorded music by industry veterans to the latest surge in fresh and new unsigned talent on the local music scene.

The vision of the Accolade is to create a product of excellence to showcase our rich and diverse art and cultures. It is the unleashing of vast potentials in the music industry.

These awards gives Guyana another opportunity to make its mark in the international arena by rewarding artistic excellence in the music industry through a premier event comparable to international Award shows such as the Grammy’s and the one produced by BET.

In November at the actual awards there will be a line up of fantastic performances which will represent a climax for the local entertainment diehards and at the same time promote and represent a hype for the local music industry. Guyanese are asked to prepare themselves for an event which can only be billed as an excellent experience – from red carpet entrances to outstanding local and regional performances from a mind blowing awards ceremony to international celebrity endorsements.

The music industry is at a critical crossroad and deserves every effort to highlight its achievements, motivate its artistes, elevate standards, encourage artistic excellence and utilize talents that may be inclined to engage in negative endeavours.

I would like to urge all stakeholders of the music industry to come together to collectively shape the industry. There are still challenges which we have to work collectively to confront, such as modern copyright legislation and improving the quality of our production to compete at the international standard. We are aware this is a huge task ahead of us but not one impossible to achieve with the cooperation and support of Guyanese including those in the business sector.

Importantly there is rising expectation by Guyanese and musicians themselves which is inevitable in an emerging competitive environment of increase quality and standard. The Accolade seeks to unleash the potential of musicians by first of all recognizing, appreciating and rewarding them for their contributions to the striving music industry in Guyana. We aim also to extend motivation and provide exposure for local artistes, all relevant to the growth and development of the industry and to provide them an opportunity to market and highlight their talent as a product.

We believe these objectives will encourage and promote quality as well as increase meaningful involvement in an effort to ensure the overall development of the music industry in Guyana.

The Accolade will live up to the expectation of all Guyanese. We thank you all for coming out this evening as an endorsement of Accolade- the music awards of Guyana. We look forward to seeing you November 30.

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Accolade Awards launch on Friday @Zoom Inn

Arrowhead Promotions, July 23, 2008- An enticement  awaits music lovers, industry professionals, fashion designers, press officials, recording agents, sponsors and potential sponsors when they converge for the Official Launch of Accolade — the music awards of Guyana, on Friday, July 25, 2008, at Zoom Inn Hotel.

The launch is the commencement of a celebration of the music industry in Guyana culminating into an annual music awards to promote the achievements by industry veterans to the latest surge in fresh and new
unsigned talent on the local music scene.

Among light entertainment and cocktails, the evening will introduce patrons to those who are part of our strategic partnership including private sector, commercial brands and public sector organizations.
Additional plans for activities including celebrity endorsements and participation by those with Guyanese roots and connections will also be revealed.

This is the second major activity leading up to November 30 where the red carpet will be rolled out for Guyanese and visitors who are expected to dress in their finest local designer clothing and be
photographed by celebrity photographers before they enter what is slated to be the biggest awards gala the country has ever seen.

This Music Awards of Guyana seek to reward artistic excellence in the music industry that has definitely shown signs of growth and development over the years. These awards coincide with strategic
efforts to “promote Guyana”, through its rich and diverse arts and cultures. Exhibiting our local talent at another level is the continuation of the unleashing of vast potentials. Email:[email protected])

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Wildfire Production Presents – Wild Fire Fest 2K8 (1st Anniversary Celebration)

Wild Fire Fest 2k8 is about to kickoff and the preparations are on fire! The artists will be in the country as of Friday July 25th and there are a few events where party fans can get a glimpse of their favorite artists before the Wild Fire Fest 2k8. First off, everyone can see the artists live via NCN ch 11 on Friday July 25th at 9 pm and simultaneous broadcast via 98.1 hot fm radio. They will be at the Black and White party which will be held at Palm Court. This is invitational BUT patrons can get access simply by wearing a Black and white outfit and paying the entrance fee. However, they must fulfill both requirements.

Interviews will be done, as well as autograph signing, and picture opportunities. Then during the day segment of the Wild Fire Fest 2k8 the artists will be in and out of the National Stadium to hype and interact with the crowd. The Wild Fire Fest 2k8 kicks off officially at 12pm Saturday July 26th 2008 and entertainment starts then. Then from 2pm to 5pm kids can get to see Spongebob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer perform every hour! These characters comes with the compliments of Tons of Fun Entertainment company.

They will also have a fun station set up with standees of WWE characters such as Rey Mysterio, John Cena and others which kids can take pictures with. In between performances the crowd will be entertained by popular sound systems, Emcees Mr Chow Pow, Malcolm Ferreira, Shurwayne Winchester, Serani, Ce’cile and others! These intermittent performances will only be short interactions and not the actual performance that the artists will be doing in the evening segment. Lucky persons will also be able to meet these artist throughout the day at the National Stadium. The official after party will be at the Stadium View Bar with special guests from the Wild Fire Fest 2k8. The live performance segment of the Wild Fire Fest 2k8 will begin at 6:30 pm SHARP and this will have to start on time as there are quite a number of artists who will give quality performances. So if you don’t want to miss out on any of the action, make sure you are in the ground by 6 pm for the evening performances. Children under 12 are free, adults are $3,000, and limited VIP’s are $20,000. VIP Tickets are available at Nanda’s Boutique and the first 100 persons can get a 10% discount on their purchase when they buy a VIP as well as a FREE invitation to the Black and White Party. The VIP ticket allows parking inside of the stadium parking lot and the entrance will be the southern gate of the National Stadium. The northern gate will be the general entrance. The VIP area is around the stage and the tickets also entitles the holder to free drinks, free finger foods and seating. However the VIP bar and service is not open until 6pm. All patrons, except children, will be given special security Wildfire wristbands which is durable even in water and will allow access in and out of the National Stadium throughout the day.

Tickets are available at Upper Level Barber Shop, Nanda’s Boutique, Nigel’s Supermarket, JR Burgers, Matt’s Record Bar, White Castle Fish Shop, and Stadium View. Early bird tickets are already sold out and limited VIP’s are available Nigel’s Supermarket, Gifltand Officemax, Nanda’s Boutique, and Upper Level Barber Shop. We would like to extend thanks to our sponsor F&H Printing for their support in all our activities.