The inaugural Guyana Food, Arts and Music (FAM) Festival is expected to boost the local tourism sector.
The two-day event will be hosted on May 26 and May 27, at the Guyana National Stadium, under the theme ‘Rediscover Home’, in celebration of this year’s independence. The first night, which is the Jazz and Reggae night, will feature dancehall/reggae star Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley, followed by the Calypso, Chutney and Soca night the following day.
At a press briefing yesterday, acting Minister of Tourism Irfaan Ali said FAM is a product that is mature enough to take the international stage and is a celebration of the people and culture of Guyana. He added “it’s a celebration of our independence anniversary and FAM is going to be with us in the future.” The minister added that FAM will offer an opportunity for those outside Guyana and will ignite significant growth in the tourism sector while showcasing our music, arts and fashion. Ali also mentioned that the government is working with Caribbean Airlines, Ezee Jet, LIAT and Suriname Airways to assist in facilitating the event. According to him, Caribbean Airlines is expected to broadcast an in-flight video about FAM, and special rates will be worked out with some airlines to accommodate travellers.
Meanwhile, director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Indranauth Haralsingh, stated that FAM will add popularity to Guyana as a “hot spot”, and in his view will be a little bigger than the Tobago Jazz Festival.
Given previous experiences with high-profile artistes, such as T-Pain and Rick Ross, who were due to perform in Guyana but never showed up, assurances were given that Marley will be in to Guyana to perform on May 26. He is expected to be on 98.1 fm on Tuesday for a live radio interview about his performance.
Preparations for the festival are still ongoing as more private sector support is still being sought and the hospitality sector is working to make those who are visiting comfortable.
Over 20 live music performances, arts and crafts, cultural and theatrical performances, fashion displays, Guyanese and overseas food booths are scheduled to grace the event. Other booths will include a talent stage, tourism and artiste merchandise booths, and a kids zone. The festival will run from 2pm to midnight each day.
