For its 16th anniversary, Tele-gathering returned to Guyana and hosts Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) opened the weekend of events with a 16th birthday bash at the Princess Hotel.
The event, which saw a great turnout, had as the main features a cocktail, where attendees were given the opportunity to meet and greet each other; followed by the formal opening ceremony; and then dinner and dance. The ceremony was opened by former GT&T employee Lennox Cornette, one of the first members of Tele-gathering, after which there was the presentation of the flags of the participating countries by the Master Guides of the Seventh Day Adventist Churches in Guyana, accompanied by cheers from the various representatives of each country. Closely following the parade was a colourful and rhythmic celebration dance, performed by members of the Classique Dance Company.
Speaking at the gathering, Chief Executive Officer of GT&T Yog Mahadeo said that the company’s aim was “to put high-speed data access in every school… to take Guyana to another level”. While emphasizing that the main objective of the forum is to see interaction among persons, Mahadeo encouraged the visitors from the participating countries to “have fun and see beautiful Guyana”.
The main highlight of the night however was the cutting of the 16th Anniversary Tele-Gathering cake, which was done by Founding Gatherer Kurt Liverpool and Yasmin Bowman.
Tele-Gathering is an annual event hosted by the sports clubs of the Caribbean telecommunications companies. Founded in 1995, it is perceived to be the largest gathering of Caribbean Community outside of cricket.
The exchange visits, which this movement encourages includes a list of activities including sporting, cultural and social outreaches, and the exploration of tourism benefits of the host country.
Among the countries participating in this annual event, are Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Grenada, Jamaica, St Lucia, Turks & Caicos Islands, and this year’s host country, Guyana. Among the 2011 Easter Weekend activities are a night of Karaoke (on Friday), Tree Planting in the Botanical Gardens (yesterday), a Night of Culture (at the Umana Yana last night), and tours of the different GT&T sites, as well as to Splashmin’s Eco Park. The closing ceremony is will be held on Monday night at the Princess Hotel, Providence.
