The Cricket Carnival that took to the streets of Georgetown yesterday created confusion for commuters, leaving hundreds of workers stranded for transportation, which in turn led to price gouging as transportation service providers sought to capitalize on the chaos in the wake of the disorganized parade.
The parade started from Main Street, on to Church Street and concluded on Irving Street at the Kitty roundabout.
While many saw the parade as a welcome celebratory event following the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ massive win at the CPLT20, many streets around Georgetown were blocked and mini-buses were unable to get to key pick up and drop off points. The confusion was further exacerbated as traffic ranks from the Guyana Police Force haphazardly and randomly placed cones on streets that diverted traffic, forcing vehicles to divert to get to their destinations.
In particular, East Coast of Demerara commuters were the hardest hit since most of their pick up points are along Camp Street, North Road up to the four corners by the New Building Society where large crowds can usually be seen waiting for transportation often for prolonged periods. As thousands flooded the streets in vibrant colours, children and employees could be seen on the streets trying to get a view of the extravagant parade that saw floats from Decoded Carnival, Pulse Warriors, Amazonas Fantasy Band, HJ Boom Nation and West Siders/ Heritage Band. The Guyana Amazon Warriors team joined the parade with their trophy the star attraction.
The parade was scheduled to commence at 1 pm but a major delay pushed the starting time down to 4 pm causing Carnival floats’, celebrants and supporters to swamp roads already congested with workers and school children. Persons to whom Stabroek News spoke shared mixed emotions about the Cricket Carnival and questioned why yesterday was not declared a holiday. Whereas some schools across Georgetown were given the day off, others were not. Some parents contended that yesterday should have been declared a national holiday so that children could witness the event. According to these citizens, since the CPL finals and Cricket Carnival were separated only by a day, work and school preparations was very difficult for parents and children.
The only bright spot in yesterday’s confusion seemed to have been the food carts and caravans which took to Irving Street in their numbers. According to some sellers it was a rewarding opportunity to ply their trade. At about 5 pm children with their families were out in their numbers and the vendors wasted no time in grabbing the opportunity to establish play sites for the kiddies.
