‘I am 592’
―Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo opens first Mash Village
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, February 13, 2020
The scent of familiar homemade favourites accompanied by the melodies of Soca and Calypso filled D’Urban Park as scores of Guyanese attended the highly anticipated and first of its kind Mash Village.
Officially opening the event was Prime Minister, the Hon. Moses Nagamootoo, who sampled the food and enjoyed the art and culture.
“The golden jubilee is of great significance to all Guyanese that we could celebrate fifty years of being a completely free, sovereign, liberated state,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo stated.
Being held until February 18, the Mashramani Village was divided into four sections – Stabroek, Liza, Payara and Orinduik – each offering their unique blend and representation of an aspect of Guyanese food, culture, art, literature and music.
DPI spoke to Marcia Gonsalves, originally from Kwebana in Region One. Gonsalves is bringing her authentic Indigenous flavours – cassava bread, farine, casareep, coconut and crab oils to the Mash village.
Keeping the crowds entertained were 2020 Junior Calypso Queen, Omaiah Hall, visually impaired 17-year old Junior Soca Monarch, Relon Sumner and popular Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts along with a troupe from St. Cuthbert’s Mission.
The Mashramani Village is part of the calendar of activities being held in celebration of Guyana’s Jubilee Republic Anniversary, themed “Guyana Together, Reflect, celebrate, transform.”
Minister of Social Cohesion, the Hon. Dr. George Norton reflected on the unique nature of this Guyanese festival.
“Mashramani depicts who we are as a people. It showcases and celebrates our individualities and the unique identity that we were able to cultivate as a land of six distinctly vibrant peoples.”