Rupununi
Day - A spectacular event
A Gina feature by Candace Field
Rupununi Day, which takes place annually around this time of the
year, has been noted to be quite a spectacular event, not only for
the residents of the Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu/ Upper
Essequibo), but also for persons from various parts of Guyana, as
well as tourists.
Guyanese and tourists are given the opportunity to view and/or purchase
items and produce of the Rupununi on display, and they can also
take part in and witness exciting activities at the Rupununi rodeo
site, the usual venue for the event.
According to Linda Khan, Vice-President of the Rupununi Chamber
of Commerce, Rupununi Day was launched in the year 2000 by her late
husband, Mohamed Khan, who was then the President of the Chamber
of Commerce.
The event was intended to be for one day only, and its purpose was
to give residents of the Rupununi, the opportunity to showcase their
produce, craft and other items, and also to enjoy themselves taking
part in sporting and other activities.
However, Khan decided to extend the event to a second day as residents
found the event useful for them to sell their produce and to exhibit
some of the many talents of the people living there, including Amerindians.
This has continued throughout the years.
The Rupununi was already known by many as an area in Guyana where
the annual Rupununi Rodeo takes place. This event, which occurs
every Easter, attracts tourists from other parts of the country
as well as neighbouring countries, including Brazil. The event is
usually referred to in tourist magazines and there are cowboys from
various parts of Guyana who can’t wait for the next year’s
rodeo to show-off their lassoing and other rodeo skills.
Rupununi Day is now fast becoming the second popular annual event
in Lethem. This year, many activities are planned for the two days,
November 22 and 23.
After the opening ceremony, where VIPs and other guests, including
tourists, will be welcomed to the site, the fun will begin.
In addition to an exhibition of art and craft by Amerindians and
other residents, non-Governmental Organisations like Iwokrama, Conservation
International and the Rupununi Weavers will also have their booths.
The Ministry of Education will take this opportunity to highlight
the creative work of the students of the schools in Region Nine.
This includes art-work and craft by some students as well as jams,
jellies and other delicacies by those of the Home Economics Department.
The National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) is also involved
in this year’s event and it will have a display of plants
for sale
Animal species found in the Rupununi will be on show and the women’s
group in the Region plans to display its balata craft items, bead-work,
hammocks and leather- work.
On the first night of the event, there will be a cultural presentation,
including a pageant with six young ladies competing for the Rupununi
crown.
Horse-racing fans can witness races at the site on the second day
and cycle-racing later in the day as well.
The organisers of Rupununi Day are promising two packed days of
activities and all are invited.
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Thusday,
November 20, 2003