Linden hosts successful Mash celebrations
DPI, Guyana, Monday, March 4, 2019
Lindeners were captivated as their annual Mashramani Costume and Float Parade officially kicked off with almost 200 revellers taking command of the region’s main road on Sunday afternoon.
Both the young and old came out in their numbers, some even taking to their rooftops to get a better view of the colourful parade.
Starting from the Regional Democratic Council’s (RDC) building, the parade comprising scores of colourfully decked out revellers and impressive floats bounced and jigged until it culminated at the Bayroc Community Centre Ground. Among the bands were the Department of Social Cohesion’s officials, the Linden Technical Institute, the 592 Band and Waves Band.
Permanent Secretary at the Department of Social Cohesion, Melissa Tucker, took the lead for the department’s band. Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI), she said the department’s presence at the Linden celebration was to reinforce nationwide inclusion of the 49th Republic celebrations.
“We are happy and delighted to be here in Linden, of course, it [Mashramani] all started in Linden, so we are privileged to be here… We are more than happy to bring our theme to Linden which is celebrating Guyana’s beauty, unity and diversity. We are sticking to our patriotic theme which was displayed on February 23 which includes out patriotic colours…So, I am happy that our revellers came out again in support of the ministry, Guyana and this beautiful festival,” she said.
Tucker highlighted the massive support from residents, noting that next year, residents will need to prepare for a bigger celebration.
Marshall Whitney, a reveller, told DPI, “I am enjoying every moment of this, I was actually keeping abreast of the festival through my radio so I would not miss it and it actually encouraged me to come out to join in… so, I am enjoying myself.”
Another Lindener, Devin Sears said he is thrilled for the town as it joined the 49th Republic Anniversary. “Everything is going fine; I love the creativity when it comes to the floats and costumes… I will be ‘repping’ for the 50th Republic Anniversary to come to Linden in 2020,” Sears noted.
Winston Grant, also known as Uncle Winston, said he was happy with the massive youth participation and the use of colours for the parade. “The turnout was good, “ Grant noted.
This year’s Mashramani is being observed under the theme ‘Celebrate Mash 49 with victory in mind’.
Guyana gained its independence in 1966 and soon became a Republic on February 23, 1970.
Neola Damon.
Images: Jules Gibson.