Loans, reduced airline fares for Guyana Carnival

The Guyana Carnival Committee today announced that airlines, hotels and other businesses are offering discount prices for the event but the committee is also offering a loan plan to persons who need the cash to celebrate.

The Committee launched the 10-day event at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston Georgetown today.

Chairman of the Committee, Bobby Vieira explained that the aims of the event is to build Guyana’s tourism sector.

“After the 2016 grand Independence celebrations, members of the Hits and Jams organization felt there was a need for a festival to sustain momentum and one that should be held annually…Carnival 2018 therefore, is simply to add another festival to the annual calendar of events in order to promote tourism, entertainment and awareness for locals, members of the diaspora and visitors to enjoy,” Vieira told reporters.

Guyana Carnival will include 20 activities from May 18-27, including Steelband Jamboree, J’ouvert, a road parade and others. The committee also partnered with the Miss Guyana Universe which will host its pageant during the same period.

Playing its part, two airlines, LIAT and Fly Jamaica are offering a reduced cost for tickets to Guyana during the carnival celebrations.

It was also disclosed that several hotels and companies including Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) are partnering with the Carnival Committee to offer reduced rates and to promote the events.

One of the coordinators of the event, Jovan Wilson pointed to the loan being offered by the Committee to persons who cannot afford but would like to participate in the festivities.

The committee will make available a maximum of $300,000 to one person who will be required to repay the sum within a year.

Persons can visit the HJ loan office where requirements for the loan will be provided.

The Committee said that security is assured as it has partnered with the Guyana Police force to provide protection at all the events.

Additionally, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan was approached to relax the curfew from May 18-27.

The Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) along with the Government are also engaged in preparations for the activities. The M&CC will be dealing with the spots for vending at various events within the city including the road parade.