Guyana Fashion Weekend 5 Part 1

A designer's piece from Guyana Fashion Weekend
A designer's piece from Guyana Fashion Weekend 5

As the Guyanalive.com team walked through the entrance of the Guyana Cricket Club Ground on Saturday September 24, 2011 we could not help but think one thing, Guyana Fashion Weekend is going to be big. We were not disappointed, at least not where the fashion exhibition was concerned. The ambience was splashed with bamboo and palm branches which nailed their theme, “celebrating…forests for people…people of African descent”. The runway was positioned under a large white tent and the models strutted their stuff in an oval formation around and through the attendants. Off to the north of the ground was the Liquid Infusions Cocktail Bar where one could purchase beverages that kept a smile on one’s face all evening. The air reeked of make – up and perfumes, ideal for such an occasion.

 

 

A piece from Robert Young "The Cloth"
A piece from Robert Young "The Cloth"

However, we only had a minute or two to notice those aspects which were insignificant in comparison to the main agenda, FASHION! We saw intricate, stunning, smooth, sexy and sometimes confusing pieces from designers like Carl Brown, Colwyn Abrams, Ginouse Collections, Zad and Eastman Collections, Natasha David, Jah Works Collections and the event’s CEO and local fashion mogul, Ms. Sonia Noel. We can go on for pages about all the pieces and designers that were featured but what fun would that be? Instead we urge you all to go down tonight for part 2 of the festivities. You will not be let down. Ensure you get a seat as close as possible since the turnout will be of great magnitude.

 

 

One of the many Evening Gown display at Guyana Fashion 5
One of the many Evening Gown display at Guyana Fashion 5

As the last paragraph is upon us please permit us to let constructive criticism ooze from our pores. First there were no garbage bins. So, even though our drinks were mostly served in disposable cups there was no way to dispose of our litter and as a result persons resorted to throwing their stuff in the toilets. Speaking of which, why would someone situate the toilets to face the patrons of the fashion show? Every time the door opened there was a bright burst of light that consistently distracted those in view. Now since the toilets are all mobile, please turn them away from the crowd and place a clear but discreet sign that says “WASHROOM” (thanks Damian). That being said, we again urge you all to get decked out and have a comfortable seat at the Guyana Fashion Weekend 5, it will be a wonderful start to your week.

View pictures at –> GuyanaLive.com Gallery

By – Patrice Wishart

Mr. Vegas and Natural Black excites at Guinness Greatness Concert

Mr. Vegas and Fans
Mr. Vegas and Fans

Mr. Vegas, Jamaican born dancehall superstar is no stranger to Guyana’s shores and each time he has gone above and beyond to please his Guyanese fans, Friday night was no different. The location was GNS Ground on Carifesta Avenue, the reason was a part of the 252nd anniversary celebrations of Guinness worldwide.

Natural Black performing at 252nd Guinness Annversary
Natural Black performing at 252nd Guinness Annversary

Decked out in a white suit and blue shirt, Vegas in classic energetic style ran on to the stage to “I am blessed” and immediately had the full attention of the large crowd. As expected he continued to belt out hit after hit from the 90’s up to 2010. Vegas also sought to pay homage to the reggae greats that put Jamaican and by extension Caribbean music on the international arena. He proceeded to sing some hits from Dennis Brown and the late great Bob Marley. One of the more entertaining aspects of Vegas’ performance was when he invited one of his dancers to whine for the audience. Decked out in ‘pum pum shorts’ and fish net stockings Tenisha, as she was introduced, moved and trembled while backing the crowd, causing the men to focus their attention on the screen as the cameramen zoomed in on the action for all angles.

Crowd giving tribute to the Late Great Bob Marley
Crowd giving tribute to the Late Great Bob Marley

Natural Black provided some conscious reggae lyrics in order to get the crowd going and ready for Mr. Vegas. Widely considered as being Guyana’s most popular solo reggae artiste, Natural Black, gave a satisfying performance for almost an hour belting out hit after hit to the large crowd. Songs such as “Sorry Feeling” and “Gideon boot” were among the selections the prolific artiste sang
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As expected the concert was streamed live across the Caribbean so that Guinness drinkers and music fans could enjoy the celebrations from their favorite bars, pubs or even in the comfort of their homes. The event brought the curtains down on a worldwide celebration of Guinness, but even as the dust settled and the elaborate Guinness decorations are packed up, the ceremonial drinkers will retire back to their respective beverages and wait until next year, the real Guinness fans will however continue to savor the taste of the “dark” beer whether there is a promotion or not. Guyanalive.com salutes Guinness on accomplishing 252 years of excellence and pledge to continue to raise our glasses, cups and bottles in honor of a man named Arthur and a beer called Guinness; TO ARTHUR!

View pictures from this event at –> GuyanaLive.com Gallery

By – Andrew Ross

Happy 252nd Anniversary Guinness

We Love Guinness
We Love Guinness

Thursday September 22, 2011 was a day to be remembered as thousands of Guyanese joined Guinness drinkers worldwide in celebrating the 252nd anniversary of a man named Arthur and a beer named Guinness. Persons converged on the various “Guinness” bars across the country to partake in the dark smooth taste of the beverage which can be found in over 150 countries worldwide.

The festivities locally were spearheaded by beverage giant and brewer of Guinness, Banks DIH Ltd. Quite fittingly at 1759 hrs, coinciding with the year the beverage was first brewed in St. James Gate Dublin Ireland, the bar was open and pandemonium broke out as persons rushed to collect as many free Guinness they could get their hands on. Accompanied by excellent musical selections by some of Guyana’s most talented DJ’s, the Guinness Bar on Joseph Pollydore Street Lodge was just one of the many locations where lovers of the dark beverage converged to celebrate the auspicious day.

Ticket Winner
Ticket Winner

Though many persons were pleased to collect free beverages, patrons were also afforded the opportunity to acquire Guinness branded apparel with the purchase of 6 or more of the gold labeled beer. As a result before the end of the night there was a sea of black tee-shirts and hats visible at the venue all bearing the distinctive Guinness logo. In addition persons were given the opportunity to watch the Anniversary Guinness concert live which was being streamed from Jamaica compliments of Guinness Caribbean.

Cheers To Arthur
Cheers To Arthur

Persons were also given the opportunity to gain tickets to the Guinness Greatness concert at GNS ground the following night featuring Guyanese born reggae superstar Natural Black and headlined by the versatile dancehall icon Mr. Vegas. The concert is also slated to be streamed live across the Caribbean.

Guinness is a recognized brand worldwide which stands for excellence and has a taste that cannot be duplicated by any beer maker. Given the successful nature of the brand even after 252 years it is safe to say that Guinness will be around for a long time and the Guyanese market for the beverage is only growing. Anytime, anywhere good beer is sold purchase a dark cold Guinness and stick it in the air and toast TO ARTHUR!

View pictures from this event at –> GuyanaLive.com Gallery

By – Andrew Ross