Rupununi Music and Arts Festival can grow into something massive- Minister Allicock

February 18, 2018

DPI, Guyana, Sunday, February 18, 2018

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock said that the Rupununi Music and Arts Festival has the potential to grow into something massive, that will attract persons from across the world.

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock during his address to those gathered at the launch of the Music and Arts Festival, Lethem Region Nine.

Minister Allicock was delivering brief remarks at the launch of the fourth Rupununi Music and Arts Festival on Friday, February 16 at the Manari Ranch in Lethem, Region Nine. Hundreds of both local and overseas participants gathered to experience the unique Guyanese culture through music, arts, dance, poem, food and nature.

According to the Minister, Rupununi is on the verge of development, with the establishment of the Lethem Township, and the plans for the construction of the Linden to Lethem road. Therefore, he said creating unique events such as the Rupununi Music and Arts Festival is important to attracting both local and overseas visitors and investors.

This he said, will promote the Rupununi and put Guyana on the map. “Lethem is now a town and the airstrip will soon be international. There will, therefore, be an influx of persons in the area from all over the world. We must create activities such as this, where we can share our culture and way of life. We have the road that will become a reality soon, let us use it and be prepared to take full advantage of the anticipated development,” Minister Allicock told the gathering.

He said that the people of the Rupununi have a major role to play in the development of Guyana, and so they must capitalise on the progress that is to come.

The three-day festival is an environmental venture. Patrons will enjoy camping, the various genre of music from both local and overseas artist, dances, spoken words, arts and craft, yoga, Zumba, and nature.

The event is a collaborative effort between the Government, private sector and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).