Dear Editor,
The recent letter to the Stabroek News by Ms. Gabriella Rodriguez revealed my sentiments on the Guyanese cultural presentation in Dubai. Sometimes there are so many societal aberrations that it takes time to choose one to comment on. This resulted in my delay in penning my opinion on this subject. The costumes were beautiful and colourful but could have represented the medley of our ethnic groups. However, this did not happen. The lyrics of the songs kept emphasizing our six races which should have been reinforced and displayed visually. We also have other noteworthy songs about Guyana sung beautifully by more of our outstanding artistes. They were not present.
The lively and frenzied performances of the dancers reproduced dance moves conducted in a discotheque. Those moves are entertaining but inappropriate for what should have been portrayed at this entrepreneurial event. By now, we could have had graceful and co-ordinated dancers based on our long history with the dance group led by our import, Lavinia Williams, in the 1970s. They usually left their audiences spellbound. Imagine a group similar to the rockets (dancers) of the United States of America. Even if our group could have fallen slightly short of that gold standard, we would have gained inestimable admiration. The speed artist was probably the best part of the show but here again, more thought and detail could have been put into his attire. The quality of his artwork most likely was a major focus of the audience and a proper outfit would have embellished his act.
The most appalling and embarrassing part of the presentation was the song about running and climbing. I do not recall the name of the song or its artiste but my fellow Guyanese would know the song I am speaking of. It had no relevance to the depth and beauty of Guyanese culture or its assets nor any soulfulness or intellectuality. Also, there was no representation of two ethnic groups, the Chinese and the Portuguese, although our six races were mentioned frequently by the narrators and singers in the presentation. This was another golden opportunity to display our best so as to attract tourists and investors. Foreigners should enter our shores with a high degree of enthusiasm, respect and desire to be a part of our culture.
As Rodriguez said, a simple thing as a large television screen with a video displaying our myriad assets, cultural events and cuisine, could have been organized.
It has become inexcusable that the government and its appointees approach major opportunities for Guyana by acting as if they are going on a picnic. We would recall the oil contract. We can only hope that all those who represented Guyana at that exposition in Dubai were qualified to attend, as the cost for each individual would have been high. The government never puts the necessary effort into what they are elected to do and what they are paid well to do.
Sincerely,
Conrad Barrow
