Children’s Mash costume and float parade to depict Guyana

February 3, 2018

DPI, Guyana, Saturday, February 3, 2018

The Ministry of Education’s Mash Coordinator, Lorraine Barker-King told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the regional competitions are currently ongoing, and the grand finale on February 15, 16 and 17 will “showcase the talent of our children,” stating that “a truly spectacular event it will be.”

The 8-10 Topical Entry, students of the Graham’s Primary in their Arapaima costume, designed by Neilson Nurse.

All eleven educational districts began competitions on January 23, 2018; in dance, masquerade, calypso, costume, dramatic poetry, physical display, and choir. After the individual districts compete, there will be a Regional Semi-Finals before the finals Barker-King explained. She noted that the competitions are to be contested at the Nursery, Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and organizations level. The coordinator said that the competition will further be sub-divided into age categories: 5-7, 8-10, 11-13, 14-17 and both individual and group entries.

The general theme for the Children’s Float Parade (road parade) will be “Let’s cooperate and celebrate Republic 48”, however, each level has been given a different theme that will help them to display the nation. The themes will be; Nursey “Celebrating our people”, Primary “Celebrating our flora and fauna”, Secondary “Celebrating our industries”, Organizations “Celebrating our culture/representing the organization/festival”, individual entries will be able to choose any of the aforementioned themes, and regional entries will be showcasing what the region has to offer.

The Georgetown Educational Department is currently hosting their competitions. The float parade was held on Friday, February 3, 2018, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Joel Dolivera, of School of the Nations in his “Echo Paradise” costume in the 11-13 individual entry.

Primary students were given the theme “Celebration of our flora and fauna”, many of which were portrayed in all costumes. While the secondary students displayed their floats depicting Guyana’s industries. The following schools participated; St. Stephens Primary, St. Sidwell’s Primary, School of the Nations, St. Angela’s Primary, Acension Secondary, St. Barnabas, and St. John’s College.

For the individual Topical category between the 8-10 age group, St. Sidwell’s captured first place with Graham’s Hall Primary securing second place. Between the 11-13 age group, School of the Nations secured the top spot over St. Angela’s Primary. Between the 14-17 age group, St Barnabas Special School took the first place with St. Johns College following, while Ascension Secondary was placed last for that category.

In the Group category, the between the 8-10 age group, Graham’s Hall Primary succeeded over St. Angela’s Primary and in this category St Barnabas Special school was placed third. Meanwhile, for the Individual Fantasy entry, between the 5-7 age group, Bel Air Primary secured the first place prize, while St. Stephens Primary School took the same spot for the 8-10 age group and the winners of the Group Fantasy were St. Stephens Primary School for the 8-10 age group.

Sarah Williams, with her entry “D Jubilate Braggadocio Peacock” in the 5-7 Fantasy category.

Speaking with School of the Nations’ 11-year-old Joel Dolivera, he explained that he was thrilled to wear his costume, which depicted the Coat of Arms, the Canje Bird, and a Jaguar outfit to tie the costume together. Dolivera, who played a huge part in the designing of his costume, explained his choice of the Coat of Arms was based on its significance to Guyana, and its independence.

Meanwhile, teacher of the St. Angela’s Primary, Shaqlin Grey said that they chose to depict the Kaieteur National falls, and incorporate birds of Guyana.

Neilson Nurse, Designer of Bel Air Primary School, St. Sidwell’s, Graham’s Hall Primary, and St. Stephens Primary explained that he enjoyed working with the youngsters, “for the process was not only fun but educating for many of them.”

The main venue for the finals is set for the National Cultural Center on February 15 and 16 with Dance and Dramatic poetry. The events will conclude on Saturday, February 17 at the National Park with a grand float parade.