The 'Main Big Lime' is for all
THE `Main Big Lime' tourism extravaganza on Main Street, Georgetown, tomorrow (from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) marks a fresh approach in the development of Guyana's tourism product. The message is "clear the way, Guyana coming back". All will have a chance to get a taste and feel for the wonderful hinterland through replicas and displays of our eco-tourist resorts - Lake Mainstay, Emerald Tower, Shanklands, Chipstead, Arrowpoint and Bacanara. There will be boats, jet skis, water bikes and much more. And don't miss the Conservation International booth. This jam-packed 'event of many events' promises to be unforgettable and no one should miss it. Every aspect of Guyanese music and cuisine will be highlighted. IT IS ABOUT WHO WE ARE AS A PEOPLE AND A NATION. This will be the time when as Guyanese we will collectively welcome the Christmas season and the dawn of the new Millennium. Members of the Police Force and other security forces will be out in the hundreds in uniform, plain clothes and as off-duty limers to ensure there will be no untoward incidents. This is when we must all put on our 'best behaviour' with no eye pass, cut eye or `bassa bassa'. During the day, Main Street will be a kaleidoscope of tents from which will emanate the beautiful aroma of Guyanese dishes and the musical sounds of our accomplished performers. Many of Guyana's premiere fast food restaurants will serve up their best - Bounty Farm, Royal Castle, Subway and DEMICO House. The Fire Service, the Police Force and the Customs Department will provide special edible treats. Do not miss the New Guyana Marketing Corporation's "Made in Guyana - Grown in Guyana" booths. The liming begins at 10 a.m. outside the Bank of Guyana with the opening greetings from President Bharrat Jagdeo and Mayor Hamilton Green. In attendance will be the Diplomatic Corps, Ministers of the Government, members of the National Assembly and City Councillors and, most importantly, ordinary men and women of our multicultural and multiracial nation. Throughout the day, most of Guyana's top string bands will be entertaining limers. They include Mingles, the Yoruba Singers, Jahrusalem and the Sheriff Deputies as well as the Sidewalk Café Jazz Orchestra. Steelbands include the Banks DIH Mighty Invaders, the Roy Geddes Orchestra, and the Police Force Steelband. Masquerade bands from around the country will be there. A very significant feature will be the Kross Kolor Tent with their wonderfully locally produced records and CDs of Guyanese composers. At Archbishop Randolph George's Residence, Austin House, there will be a Gospel Song Fest of "good old time religion". The beautiful lawns at Prime Samuel Hinds' Residence will be the location of a Tea Party organised by the Guyana Relief Council. The Tiger Bay community and the When Las Movement will erect a Creole village with foods such as conkie and cultural expressions through story telling and the deep messages of African drums. Hotel Tower will be hosting a Guyanese Fiesta with steel pans, African drums, Carol Singing and Taja and Tassa Indian drums. At the Walter Roth Museum, there will be an Amerindian Village highlighting the history and culture of Guyana's first inhabitants. Palm Court will be serving up special Creole dishes. The New Thriving Restaurant will have Chinese cuisine and Dragon Dancing. The Main Big Lime will also be an occasion for sharing with our Amazonian neighbours. Throughout the day, visitors will be able to check out the Venezuelan Band at Le Meridien Pegasus, the Colombian Folk Group "Ekobios", and the 40 drummers from Suriname. There will be many things for children and youth to do and enjoy. Outside COURTS, there will be Santa Claus, clowns, fortune tellers, stilt men, drummers and the honouring of Guyana's outstanding young atlethes. At the Banks DIH ARAPAIMA Restaurant, children will enjoy various games. Between Lamaha Street and Le Meridien Pegasus, there will be donkey cart rides. From the Bank of Guyana to Lamaha Street, there will be Coney Island games and rides. Main Street Plaza Hotel will be hosting a POOL PARTY with Subway Sandwiches. At the Cambridge, DEMTOCO will be sponsoring Fusion International and Stereo Sonics. Banks DIH, Demerara Distillers and Carib are making substantial contributions towards the success of this extravaganza. The Voice of Guyana and Radio Roraima will be broadcasting live the festivities from the opening to the finale at State House. When the sun sets and many of the trees in the avenue are illuminated, everyone will be heading for State House for The Cacique Crown Cultural Explosion with performances of song and dance from Colombia, Suriname, Venezuela and Guyana. There is no entrance fee. See you there!
|