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Former Member

Mash 2013 – a spectacle of creativity and diversity

February 24, 2013, Georgetown, by Editor, Source - GINA

Bands blaring loud music, varying hues dotting the route, enthusiastic revellers bedecked in beautiful and glittering costumes and thousands of onlookers – this was the scene in Georgetown today as Guyanese celebrated 43 years since their country achieved Republican status.

A view of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment’s float.

Thirty bands took to the streets, the small, medium and large categories with depictions keeping in line with this year’s Mash theme “Reflecting Creativity, Embracing Diversity”.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony displaying his head-dress.

The parade commenced on Church and Camp streets, moved east along Church Street, into Vlissengen Road and from there it proceeded into the National Park at Thomas Lands.

This Guyanese is having a ball.

People thronged the streets to get a glimpse of the revellers and their very creative costumes and floats. All along the route of the parade there were families picnicking and enjoying the good weather and togetherness. There were also a lot of overseas visitors some of whom were having the first carnival like experience.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, at the start of the parade, expressed his anticipation stating that, “I think we will have a very spectacular Mash. The bands…many are bigger than last year’s. We have a lot of colour and a lot of people participating… I see a lot of tourists also.’

Region 10 revellers.

That anticipation was borne out when the larger bands for companies such as Banks DIH, and telephone companies Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) and Digicel showcased their creations. Accompanied by massive trucks and upbeat music, these large bands left no doubt that the competition for the top prizes in their categories would be a close one. The Banks DIH band was a sea of vibrant red led by several of their trucks which were converted for the occasion.

Ministry of Education revellers

GT&T showcased their recently introduced money transfer and payment services under the “Mobile Money” theme using the colour green.

A section of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport contingent.

Digicel’s creation “Call of the Wild” featured band members decked out in costumes depicting various indigenous fauna with amazing detail.

Guyanese picnicking on the Merriman’s Mall.

Several of those in attendance, in invited comments, said they were impressed with the float parade and the general tone of the celebrations.

Patrons utilising the available space along Church Street to view the parade.

Jonathan Hudson, a tourist stated that, “It’s really enjoyable-got a chance to see everybody and the costumes. It is unique….an experience for people (tourists) to come down.”

Young revellers

Another visitor named only Peter said, “It’s fantastic! First time we came and it’s brilliant… it’s really good.”

One of the artistes form the Jamaican Dancehall duo RDX said, “Mash is like super nice, we really enjoying we self.”

The crowd at church and Irving Streets. Part of Digicel’s float is in centre

Member of Parliament Basil Williams opined that, “Mash is here to stay and the people seem energised and everyone is in a festive and happy mood.’

The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs’ float

Despite early morning showers, the day was mostly hot with brilliant sunshine, ensuring brisk business for food, beverage and the occasional hat and sunshade vendors who hawked their wares to the thousands in attendance. Hundreds of families also took the chance to make it a family occasion as they viewed the parade from the sidelines and other vantage points such as homes overlooking the route. The Guyana Police Force was out in their numbers and as a result the day was relatively trouble- free.

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Former Member

President impressed with large Mash bands

February 24, 2013, Georgetown, by Editor, [url=http://gina.gov.gy/wp/?p=8095]Source - GINA[/img]

From the few costume bands that President Donald Ramotar saw parading around the National Park today, he was impressed with those in the large category, but found it difficult to pick a favourite.

At approximately 15:30 hrs President Ramotar dropped in at the venue when the atmosphere was heating up with the parade of costume bands making their entrance before a panel of judges and a packed arena.

President Donald Ramotar greets a celebrant on Vlissengen road during a walk about on Mash day

He witnessed 10 out of the 30 costume bands that were on their final lap on a route that included Church and Irving Streets into Thomas Lands and culminating at the National Park during Guyana’s 43^rd Republic anniversary celebration of “Mashramani.”

Those that he saw were Regions Three, Four, Five, Six and Ten, all of which showcased Guyana’s proud diverse culture and wealth of natural resources and a performance by the popular masquerade band “Fire in the Land.”

President Donald Ramotar greets the queen of the Ministry of Local Government’s Mashramani 2013 costume band in the National Park

The Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce made its way in with costumes representing some of Guyana’s exotic wild life such as the Canje Peasant, the cock of the rock, the black caiman and the jaguar.

Other costumes depicted the country’s rich and fresh rivers and streams and other images that are prominent features identifying Guyana such as the Stabroek Market, Red House, Parliament Buildings, National Library and City Hall.

President Donald Ramotar and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony viewing the Mashramani 2013 floats in the National Park

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport had a contingent of 300 and under the auspices of its subject Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, carried the theme, “Slavery and Indentureship to Freedom.”

Its costumes portrayed a fusion of Guyana’s rich cultural heritage in keeping with three significant anniversaries for Guyanese of African, East Indian and Chinese ancestry. They include the 250 years of the Berbice Slave rebellion, 175 years of the arrival of East Indian indentured immigrants and the 160 years since the arrival of Chinese immigrants.

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport revellers in the National Park on Mash day

The Ministry of Education came out with its king and queen costumes symbolising its commitment to eliminate illiteracy form society and produce good citizens for nationhood. The costume band was accompanied by fireworks.

The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) had their revellers decked in the union’s colours blue, red, gold, silver and white and carrying umbrellas fit for their theme “Umbrella of Unity.” The union is celebrating its 90^th year in existence and sought to showcase that as well.

President Donald Ramotar waves to the thousands of patrons in the National Park for Mashramani 2013. He is accompanied by Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony

Having participated in a live interview with well- known journalist Bobby Vieira that was televised live on the National Communications Network (NCN) and witnessed the kaleidoscope of colourful floats, President Ramotar said in an invited comment that “everyone seems to be enjoying themselves a lot”.

Having been satisfied with the parade, President Ramotar made his way to the streets on Vlissengen road where he mingled with celebrants who were out in their thousands.

2/24/1312:56 PM

NehruBig Mouth Member

SWEET SWEET GUYANA. GUYANA TOO SWEET SWEETER THAN A SUMUTOO, SWEETER THAN BROWN SUGAR, SWEETER THAN A SPICE MANGO. GUYANA MOVING UP ALL THE WAY THE THE MOUNTAIN TOP. .