Strong Guyanese delegation to storm Cayenne for major cultural festival

Guyana is again preparing to wow an international audience with its magnificent display of artistry, as preparations move apace for the third annual Inter-Guiana Cultural Festival. The festival, which is a fusion of the cultural diversion of the three Guianas, is slated to be held from July 11-15 in French Guiana.
It will feature creative thinkers in all sectors of the arts including literary, culinary, visual, performing, music, fashion, film and craft.

The Inter-Guyana Cultural Festival is in its third year and is an initiative of the governments of Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname.
Last year, Guyana was the host country with Suriname hosting the inaugural event in 2011 and this year it is French Guiana’s turn to take up host position.
The Guyana government is expected to sponsor 40 to 50 delegates, among them artistes, artists, coordinators and media.
Fashion Committee Coordinator Carol Fraser providing an update on the plans and preparation of the group, stated that all plans are in train for this year’s event.
She noted that French Guiana is considered to be the city of high fashion and therefore a lot will be expected from participants on the local front.
“We had raised the bar so high in Suriname and did the same when they came to Guyana last year so we are going to French Guiana with these two countries having the same expectations of us.”
Fraser will leave Guyana on Monday for the fashion week extravaganza in French Guiana before skipping over to Suriname for the fashion week there.
She noted that French Guiana is very conscientious about promoting natural fibres; a lot of which they witnessed during the presentation of her line at the first Inter-Guiana festival.
“They love it and they have requested my presence to present a few pieces. I’m going to use this opportunity to help local designers who have never had the opportunity to showcase their pieces on the international scene,” the coordinator said.
According to Fraser, the Guyanese fashion delegation will be given 40 minutes to strut 40 pieces on the French Guiana catwalk.
Some of the local designers are Marcia DeSantos, Zarinah Hameed, Mwanza Glen and Sharon Gittens.
The show will be opened with national fibre pieces of various traditional wear and closed with two of Guyana’s national designs.
Fraser disclosed that the coordinators are trying to accommodate designers who are eager to participate and are willing to furnish their individual expenses.
The Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry said the festival will showcase the best in the cultural traditions and contemporary artistic offerings of French Guiana, Suriname and Guyana.
At a meeting initiated by Suriname, it was decided by the three Guianas, that the festival would contribute significantly to the strengthening of friendly relations among the people of the countries.
Under the guidance of the Department of Culture, the six local sub-committees for the chosen disciplines are already at work fashioning Guyana’s contribution to the festival.