Govt will continue to fight to make Guyana safer – President Ramotar

President Donald Ramotar, during his address to the thousands who turned up at the Guyana International Conference Centre to witness the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s second annual folk song festival, reiterated his call for citizens to struggle for the triumph of good over evil.

“As Guyanese celebrate Phagwah (the festival of colours), they must not forget the traditional meaning of the festival and hope that this year, the colours will transform Guyana as one nation which will allow good to prevail,” he said, underscoring that his administration will continue to work to develop “this beautiful land”.
The president emphasised that Guyanese need to fight for freedom and more importantly, fight against all forms and measures that are used in “keeping us back to fight against crime”.
“We have been doing our best, but unfortunately, there was a blow that struck against that on Thursday night in Parliament, when we had a vote that would have allowed us to keep rogues off the streets, making them safer,” he added “Nevertheless, the government will continue to fight for a peaceful environment where its citizens can be safer and free from crime.”
Meanwhile, on a lighter note, the Gewan Kanitya Dance Troupe from the West Coast Demerara conquered six other dance groups to cop first place in the folk dance festival.
The group was made up of 18 dancers, ranging from ages six to 17. They were trained by former Miss Guyana India Worldwide, Roshini Boodhoo. The winning dance incorporated drama, which added some energy to the performance.
It tells a story of a group of devotees who frequently fought with each other, but after a divine intervention, they are remorseful, thus apologising to each other.
The moral: they did not allow evil to overcome them.
The group had been practising for the past two months with the aim of gaining the top prize.
Placing second was the Khanaia Dance Troupe, while the third spot was secured by the Nitangili Dance Troupe, followed by the Swarswattie Dance Troupe in fourth position. In fifth position was the Naya Flick Dance Troupe and the East Berbice Dance Troupe came in sixth.
The panel of judges, including Simantini Persaud, Nadia Jagan and Priya Khan, was tested as all the presentations were excellently choreographed.
The winners received trophies and cash prizes, compliments of Digicel and the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI).
Speaking with Guyana Times International, Dr Vindhiya Persaud expressed her gratitude to the persons and organisations that have made the programme a success.
She added that this is the second year for the hosting of the folk dance festival, which has grown tremendously.