‘Mashramani’ welcome for arriving passengers at CJIA
DPI, Guyana, Friday, February 21, 2020
The sounds of steel pan music greeted passenger as they arrived this morning at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
They were also treated to a masquerade performance, local snacks, tokens and had the opportunity to take a selfie with colourfully attired revellers.
The warm welcome is designed to put them in the mood for Guyana’s 50th Republic and Mashramani celebrations.
The activity was a collaboration between CJIA, Ansa Mcal, the Guyana Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Social Cohesion Department of Culture, and telephone companies Digicel and GTT.
Public Relations Officer Shunza Samuels explains that the activity was planned to give a ‘Guyanese’ welcome.
“This is the first point of contact to the country and we feel that we need to make an impression on these persons and what better way to do that than national events. Mash is on Sunday, therefore, we decided to have a pre-Mashramani celebration to offer persons arriving at the airport that Guyanese feeling, that cultural feeling that homey feeling,” Samuels explained.
Also present at the welcome event was Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Hon. Jaipaul Sharma who applauded the initiative. He noted that Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary should be celebrated by all.
“We must recognise this day and we share our joy and love to the passengers that are arriving in Guyana, some of them for the first time some of them returning home after many years, some of them just returning after a trip. They are all welcomed to Guyana and I hope they enjoy the Mashramani celebration the float parade and exhibition. It will be the most exciting thing for the country.”