Brazilians put on dazzling air show in Guyana

Thousands were amazed at the Kitty seawall in Guyana on Sunday as they witnessed a spectacular air show put on by the Brazilian Air Force’s smoke squadron. The air show was part of weeklong activities to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Guyana’s aviation sector. This is the second time the Brazilians have performed in Guyana. They did their first show in 2008 when the country hosted the 10th Caribbean Festival of Arts (Carifesta).

People, with their umbrellas out, gathered along the seawall and on Vlissingen Road for hours to get a glimpse of what they expected to be a magnificent show, and they were not disappointed. There was also a large number of tourists who witnessed the thrilling event.
Some persons were camping out, children flying kites, while some were blasting music from their vehicles. Other observers stood in the comfort of their homes, and hotels to view the much-anticipated air show. The show was scheduled to commence at 16: 00h, but was delayed for some 20 minutes, but this had not dismayed the crowd, as they waited patiently for the show to begin.
Screams and applause echoed as seven T-27 Tucano airplanes flew over the seawall from the south. Not only the children, but the adults were also excited as the squad performed their manoeuvres over the Atlantic coast.
The squad made an amazing entrance as they flew in an ‘A’ formation, followed by a circular flight over the Atlantic Ocean.
The squad then dispersed into groups of four, two and one to perform various manoeuvres.
Some of the aircraft flew around while the number five and number seven aircraft flew upside down. During the 45-minute performance, there were 55 manoeuvres and 25 aerobatics sequences done at various heights. The pilots kept their performance mostly over the ocean but close to shore.
Some of the pilots flew upside down, in ‘V’ formations, and executed dives, looping, scissors, barrel rolls, wing overs, among other stunts. The squad had the crowd on edge, as they performed some of their stunts, which looked as though they were going to collide with each other. And not forgetting the most exciting part, the smoke trail which left spectators astonished.
They were most amazed when the squad drew a heart in the sky.
The children went wild with excitement as they were in awe of the performance overhead. They were jumping up and down, overwhelmed by the activities above them. While it is normal for families and friends to frequent the seawall, this event drew a large crowd, and the vendors did not miss the opportunity to cash in.
One man said he was a bit disappointed because he expected more from the squad like the writing of ‘100 years of aviation’ in air similar to what they did during Carifesta X in 2008. Another man echoed the same views. He noted that the relationship between Guyana and Brazil is growing, and applauded the skills of the pilots. A mother who took her four children out was also ecstatic about the performance, and so too were her children.
Guyana’s Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony, who was also on the seawall with his family, told this newspaper that the show was very impressive.
He noted that the display was well executed by the group, who are skilled and known for their performances.
The minister stated that Guyana is fortunate to have the group performing, since during Carifesta they wrote the name in the sky and this time around, they drew a heart.
Re-enactment
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, city residents and many other interested persons were given the opportunity to witness the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority’s (GCAA) re-enactment of the first flight in Guyana.
A Guyana Defence Force (GDF) helicopter took off and landed on Homestretch Avenue to the delight of the many gathered in the vicinity of the Square of the Revolution and Castellani House.
The re-enactment was also part of the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of civil aviation in Guyana. In 1913, the first flight occurred in Guyana, and from that time to now, there have been overwhelming developments in the aviation industry. This is evident in air travel in and out of Guyana, the number of airstrips spread across the country, the proliferation of private operators, training and continuous investments made towards the development of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the Ogle International Airport.
The inaugural flight, which was undertaken by a German-American man, took off from the then Canon race course, which is now Bel Air Park and flew around the city.
“In the history of our world, there are many important revolutions, social revolutions and revolutions in science and technology, and certainly the fact that man made a breakthrough… to fly, was indeed one of the great revolutions of this world,” President Ramotar said.
He noted that the impact of man taking flight is being felt today.
“The emphasis on globalisation has to do with the revolution in transportation, essentially air transportation, which has made leaps and bounds, and the revolution in communications… these two scientific revolutions have furthered the social revolution and the integration of our world,” President Ramotar said.
GCAA Director General Zulfikar Mohammed said the 100th anniversary marks a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, and the aviation industry has many thrilling stories. Mohammed said prior to World War II, aviation activities were limited, and thereafter flights were embarked upon by the British and Americans who came to Guyana with private companies in the hinterland, hence, the initial opening up of the hinterland regions. Mohammed applauded the Ali and Correia families for their contributions to the aviation industry, particularly in the provision of services to the interior. Thereafter, others such as Kayman Sankar and Ronald Reece joined the industry. As part of Sunday’s activity, Guyana’s Transport Minister Robeson Benn launched a model aircraft club for youths, which will give them a more formal introduction to the aviation industry.