Symposium 2025
Guyana's Masquerade: Memory & Creativity
Cultural Vibes: Vivid and Alive@25 2025 SYMPOSIUM & LITERARY HANG
Sunday, August 24, 2025 | Lefferts Historic House Museum | Prospect Park | Brooklyn, New York
Program
2025 SYMPOSIUM & LITERARY HANG
Guyana’s Masquerade: Memory & Creativity
Sunday, August 24, 2025 | Lefferts Historic House Museum, Prospect Park Brooklyn, New York
Jasper Adams–“The Masquerade Tuta.”
Zone 1: Introduction & Orientation
12:00 pm: Pop-Up exhibition opens
1:00 pm: Drums 4 Life (Announces start of the symposium with an original composition featuring the “hands” of African drumming in Guyana)
- Pouring of Libation
- Akoyaw Rudder
- Welcome to the 2025 Guyana Folk Festival season—the Silver Anniversary Season: Symposium and Literary Hang.
- Ave Maria Brewster-Haynes, President, Guyana Cultural Association of New York.
- Dr. Dylan Yeats, Prospect Park Alliance:
- Claire Patterson-Monah, Interim Executive Director, Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc.
Drums 4 Life (Closes Zone 1 with an original composition featuring Guyanese Masquerade rhythms/beats/stylee)
Zone 2: Masquerade in Guyanese Memory & Imagination (Inside Lefferts Historic House)
1:30pm – 3:00pm:
Film:
- Tradition (Directed by Margaret Lawrence, A.A., 2011, 11 minutes)
Hybrid Panel: “MEMORIES OF GUYANESE MASQUERADE.” (45 minutes)
- Henry Muttoo, MBE.
- Wilhelm Julio Thijs “Five Dalla and a bottle of rum.”
- Dr. Seeta Terry Shah Roath.
- Verna Walcott-White.
Moderator: Vibert C. Cambridge, A.A. Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, School of Media Arts and Study, Ohio University.
Performance:
- Jasper Adams, the Masquerade Tuta—a riff on the Masquerade vibes in Guyanese writing. Features literary works by Harold Bascom, Kenneth Bishram, Stanley Greaves, Ovid Isaacs, and Derrick Jeffrey.
Zone 3: Masquerade and Contemporary Guyanese society. (On the verandah and on the grounds)
3:30pm – 5:00pm
3:30-4:45: CONVERSATIONS ON CURRENT RESEARCH & EMERGING PROJECTS
- Margaret Lawrence, A.A, Merundoi Incorporated/Masquerade Association (Guyana)
- Joshua Tujay Macey (African spirituality and Masquerade)
- Edwin Mansook (Masquerade music researcher)
- Maxi Williams (Traditional Images and contemporary design)
- Vidyaratha Kissoon (“Involvement of Indian people;” Digital archiving, the AI Age and Guyanese Masquerade.)
- Joyelle Powell, “How can Masquerade help in your ENL Instruction and storytelling about resilience?
- Claire Patterson-Monah, Interim Executive Director, Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc. (GCA and the Diaspora in Guyana Masquerade revitalization)
Moderator: Vibert C. Cambridge, A.A. Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, School of Media Arts and Study, Ohio University.
4:45-5:15pm: CONTEMPORARY GUYANESE MASQUERADE AESTHETICS: IMAGES, COSTUMES, DANCE, MUSIC, & TOASTS.”
- Wayne Daniels and the “Region 11” Masquerade Ensemble.
Zone 4: Masquerade Revitalization (On the verandah and on the grounds)
5:15-6:00:
- Kijana Lewis: Inaugural outdoor performance of Lloyda Alicia Garrett’s “The Return of the Masquerade: Ojembo Come Back Again.”
- Masqueraders Finale.
Confirmed Participants
Jasper Adams
Vibert Cambridge, A.A., Ph.D.
Wayne Daniels
Lloyda Alicia Garrett
Joro Dance School
Vidyaratha Kissoon
Margaret Lawrence, A.A.
Joshua Tujay Macey
Edwin Mansook
Henry Muttoo, MBE.
Claire Patterson-Monah
Joyelle Zealous Powell
Clive Prowell
Dr. Seeta Terry Shah Roath
Akoyaw Rudder
Wilhelm Julio Thijs
Maxie Williams
Xfactor
Participants
Jasper Adams
Jasper Adams came to theatre through dance with the Theatre Guild Dance workshop, starting off as a drummer for the late Howard Daly’s “Swallows Dance Group”. He also toured the Caribbean and North America as a member of the Chronicle Atlantic Symphony Dance Troupe. He has acted, directed and produced on the stages of Guyana, the Caribbean, North America and England. Jasper holds a deep interest in the creative traditions of Guyana, the Caribbean and the larger African and Indian diaspora. He is honored and well-pleased to be a part of this symposium and wishes the GCA a Happy 25th.
Lloyda Alicia Garrett
Lloyda Alicia Garrett is a Guyanese interdisciplinary artist, playwright, and PhD candidate in Interdisciplinary Arts at Ohio University. Her work explores Caribbean mythology, performance, and digital storytelling, with a focus on decolonial feminist aesthetics and cultural identity. She is the creator of the Caribverse transmedia project and a cultural consultant with experience in nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, and arts education. With roots in theatre, poetry, and research, Lloyda blends tradition and innovation to tell stories that honor ancestral memory while imagining liberated futures. Her practice bridges scholarship and performance to reimagine Caribbean identity on stage and beyond.
The Return of the Masquerade: Ojembo Come Back Again is a dramatic epic poem inspired by Julio Thijs’ groundbreaking 1975 stilt-dancing performance The Death of Ojembo, which brought Guyana’s masquerade tradition from the streets to the stage. This new work follows Kweku, the fictional great-great-grandson of Ojembo, as he grapples with generational expectations, cultural memory, and his longing to belong. Through the guidance of ancestral masqueraders and the spirit of his land embodied in Akila, Kweku reawakens the masquerade as a sacred art of resistance, healing, and national identity. Told in a single voice and dramatized by dancers, the poem celebrates masquerade as living heritage and envisions a liberated Guyanese future grounded in pride and memory.
Vibert Cambridge, A.A. Ph.D.
Dr. Cambridge has served as President of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc. (2012 – 2022). In 2016, when Guyana celebrated the 50th anniversary of its independence, Dr. Cambridge was awarded Guyana’s Golden Arrow of Achievement (A.A.), for his contributions to the study of Guyana’s social and cultural history. In 2013, he received the Award for Excellence in Global Engagement from Ohio University. His 2015 book Musical Life in Guyana: History and Politics of Controlling Creativity “is the first in-depth study of Guyanese musical life. It is also a richly detailed description of the social, economic, and political conditions that have encouraged and sometimes discouraged musical and cultural creativity in Guyana.”
Vidyaratha Kissoon
“Vidyaratha Kissoon (Vidya) lives and works in Guyana. He is interested in how the different cultural traditions like masquerade can be used in healing from the legacies of colonial violence”
Margaret G. Lawrence, A.A.
Margaret Lawrence has over forty years in Broadcasting and The Performing Arts.
In 1991 she received a National Award, The Golden Arrow of Achievement for Drama &
Broadcasting. Margaret was trained at The University of Guyana, where she received the Prime Minister’s Medal for the Best Graduating Student in Public Management, the University of the West Indies & Washington, The BBC, The Institute of Commercial Management, London & The IPPF Social Enterprise
She is the Executive Director of Merundoi Incorporated, an NGO specialising in Behaviour Change Communication and administers The National School of Theatre Arts & Drama. Acknowledged as one of the Caribbean’s best actresses, Margaret is involved in acting, writing & directing for Stage, Radio, Television and Film and has used her skills since 1992 in the fight against HIV/AIDS with the formation of the NGO, “Artistes In Direct Support”. In 2012 she produced her first short film, “Tradition” an 11-minute cultural fiction in which young boy tries to hold on to the traditions of his father and the yearnings of his heartthrough the cultural artifact of the Masquerade. Under PEPFAR she was appointed Executive Director of Merundoi Incorporated in 2006 and has led Merundoi to several awards including the GBCHA Awards for Business Excellence on HIV/AIDS, PEPFAR HERO Certificate, PAHO/WHO Media Award for Excellence in Health Journalism & Edutainment, EU Human Rights Award and GCA Award. Merundoi, the longest running Radio Series Drama in the Caribbean has been on air continuously since 2006. The organisation also has the distinction of producing the first Guyanese full-length movie “Helpline”, aimed at Suicide awareness. Margaret has trained youths in Drama, Broadcasting & audio-visual since 1990 through institutions like The Theatre Guild of Guyana, Guyana Broadcasting Corporation, The National Communications Network, The National School of Theatre Arts & Drama and Merundoi Incorporated.
One of their most recent activities has been the 2024/2025 UNESCO sponsored Project “
Masquerade Lives On” aimed at the revitalisation of this valued Guyanese Tradition.
Joshua Tujay Macey
“My name is Joshua ‘Tujay’ Macey, I am 27 years young. Creativity is a part of nature both chaotic and orderly. My work represents cultural pride from my Afro-Guyanese Heritage. My masquerade is a living manifestation of my ancestors and the essence of me. My photographs capture the beauty of candid world and people. I got stories to tell that only the eyes can see, as amateur cinematographer, i am happy to share my eyes to the world.”
“I thank my ancestors for this very moment that I can be able to use my gifts to highlight and showcase an aspect of my culture and of my history because this could not be possible without them. #happyemancipationday” (Facebook, August 1, 2025)
Edwin Mansook
Edwin Mansook is a Social Sciences and Human Research Council doctoral fellow researching the African Guyanese masquerade tradition and a Ph.D. candidate in ethnomusicology at Memorial University of Newfoundland in Canada. His work investigates the musical and cultural practices of African diasporic identities in Guyana, with a focus on how the sonic space becomes a site for negotiating cultural identity. This research is grounded in his experiences as a music pedagogue, pianist, and band director in Georgetown, Abidjan, Manila, and Toronto, where he has taught music courses at the elementary, secondary, and college levels. When not conducting research, Edwin enjoys exploring new places and culinary traditions.
CLAIRE PATTERSON-MONAH
Health Care Executive (retired) – Cultural Ambassador – Social Justice Advocate
Claire is an active volunteer and leader in numerous Caribbean cultural and humanitarian groups, inspiring unity and pride among diasporic communities.
Her long-standing commitment to Guyana’s cultural legacy is reflected in her role as Board Member and Treasurer of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York since 2001, she currently serves as the Interim Executive Director of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. (GCA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to preserving, promoting, and propagating Guyanese culture through annual events like the Guyana Folk Festival and year-round cultural programming.
In her leadership role on the GCA Executive Committee, Claire guides strategic planning, community outreach, and Folk Festival coordination efforts. She works alongside the board to showcase Guyanese heritage and foster generational connections. sustaining and amplifying the Diaspora’s artistic, educational, and cultural initiatives—ensuring that Guyanese traditions remain vibrant in New York and beyond, She continues to be active participant in helping to promote masquerade as an intangible cultural heritage – 2012 Masquerade Jamboree Guyana- Masquerade Lives and 2025 Masquerade Lives on.
Joyelle Zealous Powell
Joyelle Zealous Powell is a New York–based ESL educator and dancer supporting immigrant students from diverse backgrounds. Certified K–12, she teaches English as a Second Language while using storytelling and cultural traditions to inspire resilience and pride in her students. Drawing from her Guyanese heritage and experiences participating in Guyana’s Mashramani and other Caribbean masquerades, Joyelle Zealous Powell connects masquerade traditions of resistance and celebration to the classroom. She is also the author of the children’s book I Am Tenacious and shared her work at the Guyana National Library in 2023.
Clive Prowell
Clive Prowell, GCA’s Cultural Director, possesses over 21 years of experience in the arts, spanning 17 years as an entrepreneur in stage production, event planning, and dance. Residing in Brooklyn, New York, Clive has made substantial contributions both domestically and internationally as a cultural leader, choreographer, and director. His accomplishments include producing television shows, managing large-scale cultural events, and leading dance companies. Additionally, he has mentored youth through community arts programs. His work has garnered numerous national and international awards, commending excellence in stage production, choreography, and cultural development.
Dr. Seeta Shah Roath
Dr. Seeta Terry Shah Roath is a multicultural theatre arts practitioner, an author of creative non-fiction and academic works, a lecturer in communication, and education subjects at the University of Guyana and Research Principles, Film Production, and Indian Folk Theatre Arts at the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama. Dr. Shah Roath was the founder of the educational television countrywide network – the Guyana Learning Channel which she set up and ran from 2010 to 2018. She has also set up the radio station and studio at the University of Guyana and the multimedia studio at the National Insurance Scheme.
Growing up in Kitty village, Georgetown, Seeta was fortunate to be immersed in multicultural experiences that spanned from May Pole dancing, Nativity pageants, Masquerades, Ramlilas, Chautal singing to kite making, Phagwah playing, Sari pageants, classical ballet, and ballroom dancing, to mention a few of her artistic endeavors. Shah Roath has been the technical and artistic director for Guyana participation at Carifesta and Inter-Guiana festivals for consecutive years – 2011-2017, and the director for the dance theatre programme, Nrityageet, for 40 years. Among her creative writing works are short stories on Guyanese folklore and village life including one on Guyana Masquerade – “The Flouncer’s Money Pouch.”
Wilhelm Julio Thijs
A Journey of Nearly 60 Years in the Preservation, Performance, and Innovation of Guyanese Masquerade Stilt Dancing
Wilhelm Julio Thijs — known to the Masquerade community as “Julio Thijs” — is an exceptional Guyanese masquerade artist and stilt dancer. For nearly six decades, he has dedicated his life to celebrating, preserving, and advancing the unique art of stilt dancing, a vibrant and integral part of Guyana’s cultural heritage. Recognized both nationally and internationally, Julio is celebrated not only for his mastery as a stilt performer but also for his groundbreaking contributions to masquerade storytelling and innovation. His career began in 1969 with the Boysie Sage All Stars Masquerade Band in Albouystown, Georgetown, Guyana, where he honed his craft and began shaping the future of masquerade art. A landmark moment in his career came in 1972, when Julio had the distinct honor of performing with Boysie Sage’s All Stars at the inaugural CARIFESTA (Caribbean Festival of Arts) in Georgetown, Guyana — a pivotal event in Caribbean cultural history. In 1974, Julio became one of the founding members of the Guyana National Service (GNS) Culture Corps. It was during this time that he introduced one of his most influential contributions to masquerade: transitioning stilt dancing from the streets to the stage. His groundbreaking production, “The Death of Ojembo” — a fusion of stilt performance, dance, and spoken word — marked a historic moment for the art form. This piece was showcased at GuyFesta (Guyana Festival of Creative Arts) in 1975, where it received the Award of Excellence for its innovation and cultural impact. By 1977, Julio’s career expanded beyond Guyana’s borders. He spent time in Suriname, teaching masquerade and performing in pioneering outdoor productions. His commitment to sharing this art form internationally continued with notable achievements, including producing a full masquerade band for the Guyana Cultural Association of Calgary, Canada, and presenting the duet “Wind and Leaf” at the 2014 Global Stilt Congress in Arcosanti, Arizona. In 2015, Julio conducted a stilt dancing workshop for the Guyana Cultural Association (GCA) of New York, Inc. Family Funday, further demonstrating his lifelong dedication to educating new generations and preserving the masquerade tradition. Since 2012, Julio’s expertise has also extended into stilt design and engineering. His signature “Boysie Sage Mark 7” stilts — recognized for their craftsmanship and performance — have been made available Globally to performers and students, including those at Guyana’s National School of Dance, New Amsterdam Multilateral High School and Vryman’s Erven High School.
Wilhelm “Julio” Thijs remains a towering figure — both literally and figuratively — in the world of masquerade and stilt dancing, a living testament to the power of cultural preservation, innovation, and artistic excellence.
VERNA WALCOTT-WHITE
Dance Consultant/Educator/Instructor/Choreographer/CEO
Verna Walcott-White is an accomplished dancer, choreographer, and Arts Educator with extensive international experience, including training at the Jamaica School of Dance and Duke University. She has performed and led workshops across the Caribbean and the United States, and taught at dance studios in Queens, New York.
Verna began dancing at age three, studying under several renowned Guyanese and international instructors, including Doris Harper-Wills, Helen Taitt, Michael Leighton, Derrick Reid, and Robert Narine. She joined the Guyana National School of Dance at its inception, training with famed Director Lavinia Williams, and Founder Member Guyana National Dance Company.
She has choreographed for numerous pageants, including the prestigious Ms. Guyana, as well as several community events, producing and directing major productions such as the first Ms. Tropical Paradise Swimwear Pageant, Guyana Folk Festival, Guyana Day, BRAATA Productions, Barbados Alumni to name a few.
Ms. Verna (as she is popularly known) aims to inspire children, promote multi-cultural dance, and build self-esteem through creative expression. Her goals and objectives are simple but effective:
- to motivate and enrich the lives of children.
- to promote skills that enhance multi-cultural and creative dance.
- to enable a positive and enjoyable learning experience through community service.
- to build youth self-esteem through the discipline of dance.
Her belief is that as long as there are children who dream dance and
parents who believe in their children’s dreams, together we can make all their hopes and aspirations a reality.
Ms. Verna has received multiple recognitions for her contributions, including awards from local politicians, cultural associations, and organizations such as Vissi Dance Theatre and The Guyana Missions. Recent honors include a 2021 Proclamation from Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, and a 2025 Appreciation Award from Afro American Learning School for 25 years of service.
In addition to Dance, Verna has acted in plays by Francis Farrier and directed by Maurice Braithwaite. She is the founder and director of Impressions Dance Theatre Inc. and has served as Dance Consultant for numerous schools in Queens over a 25-year span.
Despite a busy schedule, Verna remains active in the Guyana Cultural Association as Assistant Cultural Director, Co-Chair Recognitions: Awards and Prizes Committee, Co-Chair Kwe Kwe Committee and H.E.R.O.C., while also dedicating time to her large family as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Xfactor Dance Company
Established over three decades ago, Xfactor Dance Company has emerged as a pioneering force in the world of dance, fusing diverse musical styles such as African rhythms, dancehall, soca, afrobeat, and hip-hop. With a vibrant and dynamic presence, Xfactor Dance Company has captivated audiences globally, showcasing their extraordinary talent and passion for movement. Celebrating 33 years of excellence, Xfactor Dance Company has transcended borders, sharing their unique blend of cultural influences through powerful choreographies that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. Their innovative performances not only highlight the rich traditions of African music and dance but also embrace contemporary styles, creating an exhilarating experience that celebrates the spirit of unity and joy. The company is comprised of internationally acclaimed dancers, each contributing their own flair and expertise to the collective. Over the years, Xfactor Dance Company has garnered countless awards in various dance competitions, solidifying their reputation as a leading force in the dance community. Their commitment to artistic excellence and their relentless pursuit of creativity have earned them recognition and respect within the industry. Currently, Xfactor Dance Company is engaged in a series of exciting projects aimed at expanding their reach and influence. Through workshops, performances, and collaborations, they continue to inspire the next generation of dancers, fostering a love for dance that transcends cultural boundaries. As they look to the future, Xfactor Dance Company remains dedicated to their mission of bringing people together through the universal language of dance, continuing to push artistic boundaries while honoring their rich heritage. With a legacy of achievement and a vision for innovation, Xfactor Dance Company is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of dance for years to come.
Drums 4 Life “Drumming with a difference.”
“Drums for Life 592” is a vibrant African drum ensemble based in central Georgetown, Guyana, found in 2018 by a talented young cultural artist, Akomo Patterson. Born from a deep passion preserving African heritage, the group began small but was officially registered as an entertainment business in July 2012.
The group now boasts 20 active members, with the youngest being just 14 years old.
Drums 4 Life has performed locally, nationally, and internationally. Collectively, the group is expanding its global presence and remains committed to educating the next generation, uplifting communities, and keeping African heritage alive through every beat of the drum.”
This is a return visit of Drums 4 Life to the Guyana Folk Festival. They were here in 2024.
Drums 4 Life has prepared a new composition to accompany the Libation at the opening of the 2025 Symposium and Literary Hang.
Joro Dance School
Founded on June 6th, 2021, Joro Dance School has rapidly become a well-respected name in the Guyanese dance community. With a diverse student body of 150, the school caters to a wide range of dancers, offering structured classes for all skill levels: Starter, Preliminary, Intermediate, Advanced, and Company. The school is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where students can grow both artistically and personally.
Joro Dance School maintains strong ties with other dance schools in Guyana, such as Berbice Delights, Riverside Angels, and Khandiya. These collaborations foster a spirit of unity and shared growth within the local dance scene. Through joint performances and workshops, these partnerships allow dancers to gain exposure to different styles and teaching methods, further enhancing their abilities and understanding of dance.
It’s a return visit …
In 2024, Joro Dance School had the honor of representing Guyana at the renowned Folk Festival in Brooklyn. This was a significant achievement that not only demonstrated the high level of talent at the school but also highlighted Guyana’s vibrant cultural heritage on an international stage. The performance met with great appreciation, earning the school positive recognition from dance enthusiasts and critics alike.
Henry Muttoo, MBE
A January 2023 Press Release from the University of Guyana announced that Henry Muttoo, MBE was scheduled to be UG 3rd Artist in Residence.
“Internationally acclaimed director and specialist scenic and lighting artist Henry Muttoo [MBE] has returned home to Guyana as the University of Guyana’s 3rd Artist in Residence. This is Henry’s first time working in Guyana since he left in 1976. He is accompanied by his wife Marcia. Henry and Marcia – Artistic and Managing Director, respectively – retired from the Cayman National Cultural Foundation in December 2021, after serving for an unbroken period of 32 and 30 years, respectively. They now reside in the Cayman Islands with their three daughters and two grandsons, and consult on heritage, arts and culture disciplines.”
Prior to leaving Guyana in 1976, Henry, along with Marc Matthews, Ken Corsbie, Ras Camo Williams, and Eddie Hooper was associated with transforming innovations in Guyana’s performing arts culture—Dem Two, and All-Ah-We.
The University of Guyana’s statement noted
“Henry carries a Master of Arts degree (Theatre Practices) from the world acclaimed Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance, at University of Manchester in the United Kingdon, a Professional Dip. Theatre Design (Settings & Costumes) from Croydon College of Art & Design , a Certificate (Advanced Acting, Directing & Stage Management) from the University of the West Indies and a Three-year Apprenticeship Programme from (The Theatre Guild of Guyana) where he cut his theatrical teeth over 40 years ago.”
In 2023, the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc, bestowed on Henry Muttoo, its highest award, the Lifetime Achievement Award. As Henry Muttoo recently remarked, “my experiences of Masquerade are direct.”
Maxi Williams
Maxi Krishna Williams, founder of Maxi Williams Designs, is a celebrated Guyanese costume and fashion designer, cultural ambassador, stilt performer, and creative entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in the cultural and artistic industries. His creative journey began at the age of 13 as an apprentice at the renowned Don Gomes Mash Camp, where he developed his foundation in costume design. He rose to prominence as the lead designer for Carib Hanson McCall, a role he held for over a decade. The company continued to sponsor Maxi for an additional eight years as he pioneered his own independent band. Notably, he became the first individual designer to invest personal funds into a Mashramani band, carrying his own small band with pride for eight years. Between 2020 and 2024, Maxi was commissioned by several government ministries including: • Ministry of Human Services (2 years) • Ministry of Home Affairs (1 year) • In 2024 alone: • Ministry of Amerindian Affairs • Ministry of Local Government • Ministry of Social Security • Ministry of Tourism His design excellence led him to win the prestigious Designer of the Year 2024, along with multiple awards including King and Queen of the Band, Best Individual Male and Female Costumes, and Best Individual Costume in earlier years. Internationally, Maxi worked in Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, serving as lead designer and decorator for the renowned House of Jackie in San Fernando. After returning to Guyana, he expanded into cosmetics and fashion, founding his own cosmetic business. He served as the commercial makeup artist for Digicel Guyana, and also as a cosmetic consultant for Zermatt Guyana, a Mexican cosmetics brand, for two years. In 2025, he was appointed the official costume designer for the Masquerade Association of Guyana, with a mission to preserve and modernize Guyana’s rich masquerade traditions for both local celebration and international stages. As a fashion designer, Maxi has represented Guyana at Carifesta in Trinidad and Tobago, and showcased work at major fashion events like the Urgent Runway. His recent fashion collection, “Raiza de Madeira” (“Roots of Madeira”), paid tribute to his Portuguese ancestry through a line inspired by blue and white mosaic tiles of Madeira. Maxi is also an accomplished stilt performer, known for elevating cultural performance art through bold and elaborate costumes. He has served as the official mascot for Republic Bank under the CPL (Caribbean Premier League) brand, representing the Republic Bank Board of Paradise for several years. He is one of the first stilt performers in Guyana to introduce theatrical and cultural costumes to product and brand launches. His work has supported major company unveilings and events for entities such as GT&T, E-Networks, and other corporate and national clients. In addition to his creative accomplishments, Maxi is also trained as an optical technician, adding yet another dimension to his versatile skill set. Under the Maxi Williams Designs brand, he continues to offer a wide range of creative services — from costume design and cultural production to interior décor and event staging — making him one of Guyana’s most dynamic creative forces
Wayne Daniels
Wayne Daniels a native of Guyana, was trained by the Guyana School of Dance and was eventually awarded a scholarship to study in Jamaica at the Edna Madley Performing Arts University. After returning to Guyana, he continued to perfect his talent and abilities and creativity with the Guyana National Dance Company.
He eventually migrated to the US and continued his love for the arts performing with dance companies such as Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, Charles Moore Dance Company, Millennium Project while continuing his training at City Centre Ballet, Alvin Ailey extension and Steps on Broadway.
He became a passionate choreographer and dance instructor, teaching at both public and private schools in the Tri- State area.
His areas of choreography ranged from ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop and numerous West African styles of dance.
Mr. Wayne sees dance as a pathway to success regardless of student level or talent, as long as they are willing to learn, he is willing teach.
Akoyaw Rudder
Akoyaw Rudder, a gifted cultural artist and Master Drummer was born in Guyana in Region 6 and later moved to Region 3, the West Coast of Demerara. Rudder discovered his passion for drumming at a tender age and joined a cultural group named Ascria, where he was actively involved in drumming,
drama, Kwe- Kwe and dancing.
His love for the drum deepened when he joined the Guyana National School of Dance, training under the legendary Lavina Williams. There, he not only developed his skills as a dancer but soon rose to become the resident drummer of the institution. Akoyaw traveled throughout Guyana, teaching and
performing, while also proudly representing his homeland at Carifesta and cultural festivals in Barbados and Jamaica.
Upon migrating to the United States, Akoyaw continued to share the sacred
rhythms of his heritage. He played for spiritual churches, Kwé-Kwé, and other
gatherings, ensuring that the spirit of Guyana’s traditions remained alive abroad.
Today, as an active member of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York
Inc., (GCA), Akoyaw Rudder continues to honor his roots, captivating
audiences with the heartbeat of the drum and keeping alive the legacy of
Guyanese culture.
Acknowledgments
The President and executives of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc, extends sincere appreciation and thanks to the following individuals and organizations for their support for the 2025 Symposium and Literary Hang.
Symposium and Literary Hang Planning Team
- Jasper Adams.
- Ave Brewster-Haynes.
- Vibert C. Cambridge, A.A., Ph.D.
- Wayne Daniels.
- Margaret Lawrence, A.A.
- Claire Patterson-Monah.
- Clive Prowell.
- Akoyaw Rudder.
- Verna Walcott-White.
Sponsors and Contributors
- Prospect Park Alliance (PPA), New York, USA.
- Merundoi Incorporated, Guyana.
- Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport (Guyana)
- Jamain Murray (Katcha Vybe Media).
- Wilhelm Julio Thijs.
Volunteers
- Dr. Dylan Yeats and the Prospect Park Alliance team.
- Karen Gray.
- Carl Hazelwood.
- Charles Monah.
- Wanita Teekaram
The Restaurant and Catering Industry
- Tota’s Bakery and Restaurant, 244 Utica Avenue, Brooklyn, New York.
- Upper Demerara Express, 915 Utica Avenue, Brooklyn, New York.
- Pam’s Bakery and Cake Decorating, 4620 Church Avenue, Brooklyn, New York.