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Banks DIH and Digicel rule Mash day road parade

There is yet to be an announcement of who is the designer of the year but after all the revelry for the nation’s 40th Republic anniversary from Church Street to the National Park, Banks DIH and Digicel are the major prize winners for the 2010 costume float parade competitions.

Banks DIH got four first places spots for the best individual King that presented the majesty of the Banks Beer, Best full costume large band than numbered in excess of 200 and best Semi costume band which featured about 300 revellers. That company also won the commercial floats top prize. Additionally Banks DIH also copped two third place prizes in the individual female and queen categories.

Digicel captured three first place spots in the individual male, female and Queen categories as well as one third in the Large full costumes band for their Pollination presentation the featured the Humming Bird, the Honey bee and  the Hibiscus flower all designed by Olympia Sonnoram.

AnSa Mcal (carib) copped three third place spots for individual female, male and king costumes with their message of sand, sea and sun.

The National Aids programme secretariat and the ministry of education copped the first place spots in the full costume medium and small band categories over GPL and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs respectively.

Region ten and the Ministry of Agriculture won the semi costume bands medium and small category respectively while the Chinese association and the public service Ministry copped the second place spots.

The PPP placed second in the large band semi costumes category while Slingshot’s Guyana: an oasis of hope placed third.

The National Library won the non-commercial float top prize while the Body of Christ and the Chinese Association placed second and third respectively.

In the regional competitions region four was the best copping the top prizes for the individual King and Queen Costume categories but regions one and ten copped the pop honours in the full and semi costume categories. (Mondale Smith)

Prize giving is set for the March 5th

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Banks Super Concert

On August 23rd 2008 Banks DIH held a Super Concert at the National Stadium as part of the CARIFESTA X celebrations. Crowds poured in from all parts of Guyana and other parts of the Caribbean to witness performances by local and world famous artistes.

Our very own Illaman started the live performances with some of his upcoming hits. Then one of Brutal Tracks’ greater performers, Alabama, stunned the audience with his well appreciated song “Dem don’t care” and others that the persons in attendance weren’t so familiar with. The crowd then rocked to the sweet sounds of World Famous First Born with their tracks such as “Irits”, “Got we own style”, and “How are we going to survive”, just to name a few. After enjoying a few minutes of First Born’s talent the multitude was then laughing to the comical lyrics of Dave Martin and the Trade Winds. After more than thirty minutes of amusing entertainment the highly anticipated soca singer from Barbados, Biggie Irie came on stage to get the crowd moving their waists. Biggie Irie is best known for his smash single “We nah goin home” and he thrilled the masses with his voice and musical antics. He also gave tribute to fellow Barbadian Peter Ram and Jamaican Taurus Riley for their influence on the music industry by singing their current hits. Eventually, Barbadian super star Rupee, teased the mob with excerpts from his hits before making his way to the stage in front of thousands of screaming fans. Rupee enticed persons in attendance with a great list of songs that filled the air with peace, love, harmony and fun. The ladies were going crazy at several intervals and some even managed to get on stage despite attempts by security to control them. The soca super start however soaked up every minute of it and encouraged fans to be safe and enjoy life to its fullest. After a short intermission the level of excitement peaked as the MC announced the next artiste, Mr. Vegas. The noises from the crowds were so loud those at the back could hardly hear Mr. Vegas voice as he performed songs like “Daggerin” and “Hot wuk”. He even got the fans involved by having a small dancing competition on stage between a few ladies. The masses gave their approvals as the ladies showed what they have and Mr. Vegas was enjoying every moment of it.

The event came to halt around 3:00am and as fans left they expressed their views on the evening’s activities. The number of persons in attendance was estimated at 10,000 but some sources say much more. Rupee had visited Guyana before and was asked to return soon to entertain us again. Biggie Irie made his first appearance here but Mr. Vegas has graced us with his presence once before. Rumors have it that the Banks Super Concert is the biggest and best of all for the CARIFESTA X period.

By Patrice Wishart