12th Gawai Carnival Redeems this weekend
KUCHING: The 12th Gawai Carnival Redeems 2017 ( GCR17) will be held at the Association of Research and Development Movement of Singai Sarawak ( Redeems) Centre in Kampung Apar Singai, Bau from July 14 to 16.
Redeems president Datuk Peter Nansian Ngusie said this would be the 12th consecutive annual Gawai celebration by the association since 2006.
“This year, we will also be celebrating the 20th anniversary of Redeems since its registration on July 7, 1997 with a dinner themed ‘ 20 Years of Community Development’,” he told a press conference prior to receiving sponsorship from Lea Sports Centre ( LSC) for the event at his office here yesterday.
He pointed out that Redeems was formed mainly to develop the community in an orderly and progressive manner and has done so over the past 20 years.
“The significant achievements of Redeems over the last two decades include the development of Redeems Centre, Redeems Bamboo Park, a Mount Singai study collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), seed bank project, ‘ kelulut’ ( stingless bee) research plot, Bidayuh language development project as well as iconic annual events, programmes and seminars.”
On the carnival, Nansian said the annual event is not only to revive and showcase the community’s cultural heritage but also to serve as an iconic annual social event that fosters unity and fellowship.
“The line-up of programmes include the Gawai ritual of ‘ ngabang’ (visiting), Dayung Sikora Gawai beauty pageant, sale of traditional food and fruits and a band performance.
“For the 20th anniversary dinner, there are still a few tables left for those who would like to join in our anniversary celebration,” he added.
Meanwhile, Lea Holdings ( M) Sdn Bhd managing director Raymond Sim Hee Pang said GCR17 marks the second event organised by Redeems which LSC is supporting this year – the first of which was the Redeems Youth and Sports Carnival held in April.
“LSC has been supportive of Redeems in terms of partnership and sponsorship over the past 12 years. We are also proud of the association’s efforts in the development of their community and always look forward to assisting them through local events,” he remarked.
This year, LSC is sponsoring trophies and vouchers for GCR17, which were presented to Nansian by Sim in a simple ceremony.
For more information on GCR17, please visit the Redeems website at www.redeems.com.my.