The 51st Independence Anniversary celebrations will be held at D’Urban Park, the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport confirmed yesterday.
It had previously designated the Stabroek Market Square and after much public consternation, identified the Parade Ground.
According to a release, Lt Col Godfrey Bess, Director of National Events, met with various stakeholders yesterday at D’Urban Park, to assess and address where the necessary preparatory works will be undertaken and to chart a way forward to ensure the soundness of the venue to host the event.
The release pointed out that while the Stabroek Market Square and the Parade Ground were both considered, the “likely” inclement weather was a factor and they wanted to ensure that there would be “no disruptions of normal life and business in that area…”
As such, D’Urban Park, which the statement said can hold more than 30,000 persons, was set as the venue. It added that the proposed cultural show featuring the Carifesta entrees that was set to be at the National Cultural Centre, will now be hosted as part of the event at the D’Urban Park, along with a military parade and mass band display and a spectacular fireworks’ display.
“This is in addition to the regional flag-raising events that will be hosted as planned and there would be ministerial representations in each of the ten administrative regions…,” the release noted.
Stakeholders in attendance at yesterday’s meeting included Georgetown Mayor and City Council, Ministry of the Presidency, Ministry of Public Infrastruc-ture, Ministry of Communities, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Department of Culture and the Guyana Fire Service, it added.
Bess explained that the goal was to ensure that the event is “grand and as inclusive as possible” and that it will showcase military, para-military and civilian involvement, the release said.
Meanwhile, at a meeting with Minister within the Ministry of Education Nicolette Henry, it was revealed that a week of activities planned from May 21-27, will see participation from several ministries, it added.
Additionally, Youth Director Melissa Carmichael reported at the meeting that the events will target some 5,000 Guyanese youths ranging from age 14-35 and would feature an interfaith opening concert, youth folk exposition, a career and training exposition, youth expressions along with others.
