Guyana through the arts was this week exhibited at the World Expo 2020 in oil empire Dubai, United Arab Emirates. A contingent of Guyanese performers, led by President Irfaan Ali, several ministers and other government officials showcased Guyana on the international stage.
A Facebook post from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport on October 19, read, “Guyana’s national treasure, our Guyanese Culture, took centre stage this morning in Dubai at the World Expo 2020 … and the world loved it.
Among the performers were singers Poonam Singh, Samuel Medas, Tennicia De Freitas, and Gavin Mendonca; spoken-word poet Daniela Aravjo, artists and dancers. Together they put on an impressive display. Talented photographer Saajid Husani was also part of the contingent.
Designer Randy Madray’s pieces in which the representatives were attired were a colourful explosion. Daniela Aravjo, one of the many who commended the designer’s work on social media shared that for a short while, she lost sight of her team members since she was constantly stopped by people enquiring about her gown and photographing it.
Meanwhile, Poonam Singh said in a post, “Today I performed at the International World Expo in Dubai and it was one of the most memorable days of my entire life…”
Stacey Dos Santos Rahaman of the popular tourism site Visit Guyana, who also attended the expo, posted: “I have seen for myself first hand the reaction of people who visited the Guyana pavilion and who watched the live Guyana day performances here in Dubai. They were fascinated by our culture and our eco-tourism and country.
“People were going live, filming on their phones, asking questions about the matapee, arrow and bows, art and more. Birdwatchers were adding Guyana to their list after learning we have over 900 species of birds. Kids were fascinated by the balata animals [and] the list goes on…over 400 persons per day passed through the Guyana pavilion and I have seen the honest interest…
“To hear what the actual people in the audience were saying during those live performances, I was so so proud of people like Sammy Medas, Tennicia Nekeita, Gavin Aaron Mendonca, Poonam Singh, Christina Daniela. I wanted to shout to the world, these are my people! These young people gave me so much hope. It’s not easy being an artiste in this country, y’all know this. But they brought down the house! They showed off everything good and decent about this country….”
First Lady Arya Ali along with President Ali’s son also made the cultural trip.
Since the public has learnt of the expo, there has been an outpouring of love and support for the Guyanese artists. Many are also optimistic that the event spells development for Guyana.
The performances and cultural exchanges are available on the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Facebook page as well as the Facebook pages of the participants.
