Suriname launches first annual entertainment event 'Lime 2008'
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| Published on Monday, June 30, 2008 |
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By Ivan Cairo
Caribbean Net News Suriname Correspondent
Email: ivan@caribbeannetnews.com
PARAMARIBO, Suriname: Almost spoiled by a massive downpour hours before the start, Suriname on Friday launched its first annual four-day music and entertainment event dubbed ‘Lime 2008’ (Live Music and Entertainment 2008).
Lime 2008, an event which should become a Caribbean attraction, drew massive crowds over the weekend enjoying the vibes of Suriname’s most popular bands and artists. The event is being organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKF).
According to KKF-president Robert Ameerali, the chamber embarked upon staging the festival, since it had to abandon accommodating artists and musical groups during the several trade fairs it is hosting throughout the year. “We hope that this event develops into a major event which could attract tourists from all over the world but especially people from the Caribbean”, said Ameerali. The KKF is aiming at branding ‘Lime’ as one of the major cultural and entertainment events in the region such as carnival in Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia Jazz from St. Lucia, Crop Over in Barbados and the major reggae fests in Jamaica.
“So far the concept is working. Patrons are becoming accustomed by the fact that they can rush from one stage to another and enjoy continuous live music”, said Ameerali. He further noticed that Lime 2008 has been developed for a specific segment of the population namely people who like to party and have fun. Beside the annual Owru Yari street party and fireworks rally downtown Paramaribo every year on December 31, to mark the end of the year, Suriname need more public entertainment events for people of all ages, the chamber maintain. For over 20 years the Owru Yari street party attracts several thousand locals and foreigners, especially from the Netherlands. “There is no event that could compete with the Owru Yari party, but still we need more of such events”, said Ameerali.
While critics argued that the Chamber in the future shouldn’t stage the event in the rainy season, KKF president Ameerali counters, saying that due to changing weather patterns one can’t predict the weather in Suriname any longer. Sunday bartenders competed in a contest, who could mix the best cocktail. “This is one of the major events of the festival”, said the KKF chairman. At the festival grounds there are also numerous boots where local artisans and craftsman showcase their products. Lime 2008 ends Monday night. | | | | Reads : 925 | | | |
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