Minister of Tourism Hon. Catherine Hughes, led a Guyanese contingent of travel professionals, hospitality and other service providers and representatives of the Guyana Marketing Corporation to the 14th Annual Guyana Folk Festival and Brooklyn Labor Day festivities last weekend.Minister Hughes and party arrived in New York on Friday September 4, 2015 and went directly to the traditional ‘Kwe Kwe’ (Queh Queh) event at the St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church Hall.?? After a well-received introduction by Dr. Vibert Cambridge, she lauded the Guyana Cultural Association (GCA) for the effort they expend every year to maintain their cultural heritage and ensure that current Guyanese-Americans are continuously educated about their heritage.“This is a good time to reflect on how far we’ve come,Cheap Jerseys, what we want to achieve in the near future, and the importance of maintaining our traditions and cultures,Wholesale Authentic Jerseys Outlet,” the Minister said before she joined in the simulation of a traditional pre-wedding Queh-Queh ceremony.The large gathering which included other West Indians and Americans was also briefed on the plans to celebrate Guyana’s Golden Jubilee in May 2016.? The Minister took the opportunity to extend an unconditional invitation to everyone to visit Guyana and participate in these celebrations.Minister Hughes in discussion with Dr. Vibert Cambridge and MS Ave Brewster-Haynes, President and Vice President of the Guyana Cultural Association of New YorkMinister Hughes with US Congressman Hackeem Jeffrees and New York State Assembly Woman – Guyanese Roxanne Persaud at the Carnival Launch BreakfastThe following day the party attended the GCA’s annual ‘Literary Hang’ an event that provides a platform for writers of every generation, of any genre, published or not.?? This year’s Rising Writers included Liann Aris Henry, Tiffany Herod, Chaniece Allen, and Terrance Bobb.? Adult writers present included Brenda Richards, Charles Liverpool, Valerie Coddett, Yvonne Sam, Rueben Freeman, Rosalind Kilkenny McLymont, Kimani Nehusi, Francis Quamina Farrier, Courtney Noel, Percy Haynes, Roy Brummell, Angela Massiah, Claudia Persaud, Lear Matthews, Ted Matthews, Kwesi Oginga, Ingrid Griffith, Maurice St. Pierre, and Alexander Betton Haynes.Luminary Dr. Vibert Cambridge used the event to launch his new book Musical Life in Guyana.Generally, the focus of The Literary Hang is exclusive to its purpose for the particular year.?? Last year the GCA had launched a three-year programme under the theme “We Bridgin ….”.? The goal is to develop partnerships in the global Guyanese community to make Guyana’s collective history accessible to Guyanese at home and in diaspora.? It will culminate in Guyana with an international symposium and a national-wide literary festival during the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations.In the immediate future the GCA plans to establish a Cultural Center,Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping, launch a robust communications infrastructure to support conversations across global Guyana on matters related to heritage and creativity,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, and in December 2016 a symposium is slated for Guyana under the theme: “Masquerade Jamboree.”On Sunday 6th September the Tourism Minister joined thousands of Guyanese and their friends at the Folk Festival & Family Fun Day.? There a “Guyana Services and Information Booth” attracted a large number of visiting Guyanese, resident Guyanese, Jamaicans, Trinidadians,Wholesale Authentic Jerseys, Americans and Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Chinese and other interested people.?? The Tourism Ministry made full use of the event to put on display the new tourism brand: “Guyana – South America Undiscovered” with the variety of memorabilia designed to enhance international visibility of this country as a paradise for lovers of nature.She met and spoke with a large number of people, many of whom vowed to return home (or visit Guyana for the first time) to participate in the Jubilee.?? This was after she was accorded the honour of declaring the Folk Festival open.? In her remarks she lauded the GCA for their unwavering commitment to “Bridging the Cultural Gap” among Guyanese everywhere.? Then she passed on H.E. President David Granger’s best wishes to the Guyanese diaspora and his congratulations to the planning committee for coordinating another Festival to honour Guyanese citizens resident in that country.Entertainment was provided by a number of outstanding Guyanese performers including the Ninja Band, Eddie Nebblett,Cheap NFL Jerseys Wholesale, Adrian Dutchin and Michelle (Big Red) King.The Minister’s sensitization tour to the