Excitement is building in New York City in anticipation of Akhenation Lewis’ aka “Yung Bredda” big debut in the US on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at Guyana’s annual independence celebration in Brooklyn. The celebration includes a parade and concert. Guyanese reggae icon Natural Black will also perform at the event.
Lewis is also a grand marshal of the parade. Other grand marshals are Vibert “Cookie” Bernard, owner of the famous Sybil’s Restaurant on Liberty Avenue in Queens, Guyanese Member of Parliament Amanza Walton-Desir and Guyanese Brooklyn Community Leader Dimple Willabus.
The commemoration is organized annually by the Guyana Independence Celebration Committee New York. The event, which commemorates Guyana’s 58th Anniversary of Independence in New York, will be attended by Guyanese and friends of Guyana in the New York Tri-State area.
The celebration comprises the Independence Parade, Flag Raising and Award Ceremonies and the grand Unity Concert which will be held at 1450 Utica Avenue. The Parade assembly time is 11 A.M at Church & Brooklyn Avenues in Brooklyn.
The parade moves off at 12 P.M. (noon) and will proceed on Church Ave to Utica Ave, and south on Utica Ave to Glenwood Road, to the concert venue. The concert commences at 2:00 P.M., at 1450 Utica Ave, Brooklyn NY 11203 (between Glenwood Road & Farragut Road. A flag raising and award ceremonies will precede the concert. The concert will feature other prominent Guyanese DJs and artistes.
The Committee will present the customary Kaieteur Award of Distinction, and United States Congressional Proclamations, to outstanding Guyanese at home and in the diaspora for their outstanding service to the Guyanese American Community, and their contribution to Guyana’s development. The awardees include Leon Sears, SVP Essen Healthcare Melissa Atwell, Social Media Influencer, Dr. Dexter Todd, Attorney at law, Brandon Parker, Director, IVY HILL Prep Charter School, Brooklyn, Amanza Walton-Desir, Member of Parliament, June Persaud, Guyanese American Community Leader, Eusi Anderson, Attorney at Law, Genesh Mahipaul, Member of Parliament, Vibert “Cookie” Bernard, Owner of Sybil’s Restaurant, Queens.
Also receiving awards are Dr. Gary Stephens, Chief Medical Officer, One Brooklyn Health System – Interfaith Hospital, Travis Chase, Journalist, Dr, Cherry-Ann Hislop School Principal, Karen Abrams, Director, STEM Guyana, Mark Benschop, Journalist, Darren Wade, Attorney at law, Dimple Willlabus, Guyanese American Community Leader, Dr. Alicia Elias, Dean of the Faculty of Law UWI, and Brooklyn businessman Dwayne Braithwaite. Matthew Samuels, of Samuels Top Ranking Entertainment will receive a posthumous award.
This celebration is the largest Guyanese celebration outside of Guyana, and the one of the largest West Indian celebrations in New York City. The event attracts thousands of attendees and over one million online viewers via the Committee’s website (celebrateguyananyc.com) and other social media.
There will also be performances by well-known Trinidadian DJ and artist DJ Hotty, and Guyanese soca sensation Trayvon Vibz, as well as Sherry-Ann Hislop, Nia, Kurt Lee, Kady Kish, Super Terry One Man Band, Anthony Allen, Eddie Neblet, Vibz Matic, Omaje, Gucci Boss, Subance, Deesky. The artists will be backed by DJ Danger Vybz, DJ Dynamite, DJ Fex, DJ Kash, Red Rum, Selecta Sparta and Paytriad.
Concert tickets are available at Pam’s Bakery: 4620 Church Ave, German’s Restaurant: 410 Utica Ave, and Caribbean Vision Center in Brooklyn 1012 Flatbush Ave.
For more additional information contact Mr. Omotola Golding 347-564-3659.
Omotola Golding
Director of Public Affairs & Community Service
Guyana Independence Celebration Committee New York
