Muslims had their share of the Carifesta X celebrations and hundreds from across the country gathered at the National Park on Sunday to participate in the activities for the “Muslim Religious Night.”
Coordinator, Shaikh Moenul Hack of the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG) told Stabroek News (SN) that he welcomed the idea of religion being included in Carifesta.
“It allows us to showcase our achievements and culture, provide more information on Islam and to dispel myths and clear up misconceptions… It is also the way for unity and harmony amongst all our people.”
Persons flocked the booths that displayed Islamic literature, documentaries, arts and artifacts, clothing and accessories.
The gates were opened from 4 pm and persons viewed the exhibits and purchased delicacies that were on sale.
Many persons chose to be seated while waiting patiently for a cultural programme that was set to commence at 7 pm and were being entertained periodically by Qaseedas.
The programme included an Islamic wear display by children, singing and lectures but some persons complained that they were hardly hearing. It ended around 10 pm.
The CIOG booth showcased Islamic literature as well as “Blackseed” supplements while the Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT) displayed photographs of activities that were held throughout the country and food items.
Leader of the GIT, Haseeb Yusuf explained that the food items were to highlight “healthy foods from the Quran and Sunnah.”
One [Christian] woman told this newspaper that she was impressed with the exhibits especially the Islamic arts and artifacts.
Thrilled with the documentaries of the evolution of mosques around that country that were being shown on a projector screen and the pictures and other items on display, the woman commented that “I am sorry that for all this effort this [exhibits] is only for one night.”
She also said of the event, “I came here to be edified and I learnt quite a bit. It was interesting to learn of the genealogy of the prophets and to see all the beautiful Islamic fashion…”
There were also booths by the National AIDS Programme Secretariat, which provided free counselling and testing, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Guyana Defence Force that showcased kayaking.
A booth by Youth Media – Guyana (YMG), a section of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) drew quite a lot of interest from the young people who took part in the Digital Playground (DP) contest.
Andrea Bryan of YMG said the youths took either still or video shots on the spot and were taught how to create one-minute documentaries. She said that at the end of Carifesta a special prize would be awarded for the best video.
Bryan told SN that workshops would be held around the country to train persons to use the DP software and that YMG has already started to recruit new members.
According to her YMG produces an 11-minute newscast and short videos dealing with social issues of young people. These are updated on a website: www.imeet-up.com.
