Dear Editor,
The Guyana United Artists (GUA) categorically condemns the base and senseless attack on the National Cultural Centre. It is not only a blow to artistes who perform at the National Culture Centre but it strikes at the heart of the Nation as a whole.
It has caused the postponement of Guyartfiesta 2008 which was scheduled for today and tomorrow – a unique combination of the Visual, Literary and Performing Arts. Artistes from various parts of the country journeyed to the Nation’s Capital City of Georgetown to display their talent in the performing arts and to showcase their diverse art forms, a preview of what is in store for Carifesta X. Instead they were met with bitter disappointment. It is far easier to predict the weather than to predict the course of events in this country. GEA will not go scape-goating, our efforts are to heal the nation through our various forms of creativity.
It is unfortunate but Guyanese people need to know that our efforts to reach out to the Nation are oftentimes thwarted by the printed and electronic medias. On the occasion of Guyartfiesta 2008 the GEA sent out press releases to all the printed and electronic media but none was printed. In order to publicise the event we had to resort to banners, flyers and ads were placed on 98.1 FM.
Guyartfiesta 2008 received no support from the government or the big business entities. It is ordinary Guyanese people who are helping to promote this event out of concern for the artists and the survival of the creative art forms in Guyana.
Irrespective of the setbacks Guyartfiesta 2008 is still on, so look out for the new date and come out and celebrate Guyartfiesta 2008 – support Guyanese artists initiative.
Yours faithfully,
Desmond Alli
General Secretary
Guyana United Artists
