ORIGINS Fashion Festival Celebrates Guyana’s Creative Industries As A Driver Of Culture, Tourism And Economic Growth

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. July 3, 2026: ORIGINS: The Guyana Fashion Festival returns for three immersive days, July 3-5, as Guyana’s premier fashion and cultural showcase.

This year’s Diamond Jubilee edition themed A Diamond Legacy: Fashioning 60 Years, celebrates Guyana’s 60th year of Independence by bringing together Guyanese designers, diaspora talent, emerging creatives and artisans with international visitors, showcasing fashion as a catalyst for national identity, economic development and cultural tourism.

Guyana has recorded the world’s highest real GDP growth rates in recent years, according to International Monetary Fund data. As the country pursues broader economic diversification, ORIGINS showcases the growing role of fashion and the creative industries.

“This initiative demonstrates the Government of Guyana’s commitment to advancing the Orange Economy as a pillar of national development,” said Hon. Susan Rodrigues, Guyana’s Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce. “We are investing in the platforms, networks and market access that allow our designers and creatives to grow enterprises, compete internationally and contribute to a more diversified economy.”

Three themed runway experiences highlight Guyana’s story: Golden Threads of Time celebrates 60 years of Guyanese style; Ancestral Threads showcases Indigenous materials and traditional craftsmanship; and Fashion Meets Innovation explores sustainability and forward-thinking Caribbean design.

“For years, Guyanese designers have been creating exceptional work without the industry support needed to grow sustainable businesses,” said Keisha Edwards, Festival and Designer Director. “ORIGINS is more than a fashion festival. It’s an industry-building platform designed to strengthen Guyana’s creative ecosystem through mentorship, business development, market access, so the next generation of Guyanese creatives inherits an industry that is connected, supported and built to thrive.”

More than 30 designers from Guyana and across its diaspora will take the runway over the festival’s three nights, many of them trained through ORIGINS’ own workshops in branding, export-ready packaging, apparel construction and business fundamentals, taught by facilitators from across the Caribbean and beyond.

The festival closes with the ORIGINS Awards, honoring Best Fashion Designer, Best Emerging Designer, Best Storyteller Innovator, and Male and Female Model of the Year.

Learn More At: https://www.instagram.com/origins.guyanafashionfestival/

About ORIGINS
The ORIGINS: Guyana Fashion Festival is a three-day immersive fashion event conceived to celebrate Guyana’s cultural heritage, resilience, and evolving sense of style, while showcasing local talent and global Guyanese icons. Follow ORIGINS on Instagram at @origins.guyanafashionfestival for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Can Massy’s US$75M Guyana Hub Succeed Without Reliable Power?

Shaggy Brings Caribbean Vibes To Central Park With Star-Studded “Shaggy’s Yaad”

By NAN ET EDITOR

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. July 3, 2026: Fresh off the release of his new album Lottery, Grammy Award-winning reggae superstar Shaggy is bringing the sounds of the Caribbean to the heart of New York City with “Shaggy’s Yaad,” a free outdoor concert celebrating Jamaican music, culture and community.

The event is set for July 9 at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park as part of the venue’s 40th anniversary season and will feature an all-star lineup of reggae, dancehall and R&B performers. Joining Shaggy on stage will be Robin Thicke, Tanto Metro & Devonte, Rayvon, Noah Powa, NESTA, Amber Lee, Matthew Malcolm, and Shuga, along with additional special guests.

Presented in association with VP Records and Shaggy’s Boombastic Radio on SiriusXM Channel 332, the concert promises an evening of classic hits, new music and Caribbean energy in one of New York City’s most iconic parks.

Inspired by the Jamaican concept of “yaad,” meaning home, the event is designed to bring together people of all backgrounds through music, food, culture and shared community spirit. The celebration will also feature music from DJs Tropical Blendz and Afrique, while DJ Norie, Roxy Romeo and Li’l Nat will serve as hosts throughout the evening.

The free, all-ages event comes as Shaggy continues to expand his influence beyond the recording studio. In addition to releasing new music, the Jamaican-born entertainer has remained a global ambassador for reggae while using his Boombastic Radio platform to spotlight Caribbean artists and culture.

With performances spanning reggae, dancehall and contemporary Caribbean sounds, Shaggy’s Yaad is expected to draw thousands of fans for what organizers describe as an unforgettable summer celebration of the islands in the middle of Manhattan.

Doors open at 6 p.m., with the concert beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis.

RELATED: New Caribbean Music – DJ GQ And Mr. Vegas Team Up, Plus New Heat From Sean Paul, Fay-Ann Lyons And More

Mr Eazi Recruits Vybz Kartel For New Single “Lambo,” Announces Dre Skull-Produced Mixtape “Yard & Yanga”

Two of the most influential names on either side of the Afrobeats–dancehall divide are joining forces.