BROOKLYN, New York — More than 10,000 Guyanese and friends of Guyana turned out in Brooklyn on June 7 to celebrate Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary, according to the Guyana Independence Celebration Committee New York.
The festivities featured a large parade along Church Avenue, Linden Boulevard and Rockaway Avenue before culminating in a Unity Concert in Canarsie, Brooklyn. Organizers described the event as one of the largest Guyanese Independence celebrations held in New York, attracting participants from multiple generations of the diaspora.
Revelers, many dressed in the national colors of green, red, white, gold and black, waved flags and danced through the streets to the sounds of soca and Guyanese music provided by several music trucks.
The Unity Concert opened with performances by vocalist Dr. Cherryann Hislop, who sang the United States national anthem, followed by singer Lisa Punch, who delivered Guyana’s national anthem. Chairman of the Guyana Independence Celebration Committee, Rickford Burke, welcomed attendees and praised the strong turnout, particularly among younger members of the Guyanese community.
The event was attended by several elected officials, including Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, New York City Council Members Chris Banks and Mercedes Narcisse, and New York State Assembly Members Monique Chandler-Waterman and Jamie Williams. During his remarks, Jeffries said he was proud to represent a large Guyanese-American community and pledged continued support for Guyanese interests.
Entertainment throughout the day showcased Guyana’s cultural diversity, with performances from the AYAM Entertainment Group, drummers Jermaine Fifee and Akoyaw Ruddbrought, reggae artistes, dancehall performers, DJs and soca stars. The concert reached its peak with performances by Trinidad Killa, Guyanese Soca Monarch Brandon Harding, and veteran entertainer Jumo Primo, whose appearance drew enthusiastic reactions from the crowd.
Organizers said the event was conducted safely and without incident. According to the committee, the New York Police Department reported no major issues during the celebration.
“Our Guyanese, especially our young people, showed up and represented Guyana and our culture with unprecedented pride,” Burke said.
The committee expressed gratitude to participants, sponsors, volunteers, performers, elected officials, community organizations, and the NYPD for helping to make the Diamond Jubilee celebration a success.