The countdown is over! It’s Mash day!
DPI, Guyana, Saturday, February 23, 2019
Guyana is celebrating its 49th Republic Anniversary, under the theme “Celebrate Mash 49 with Victory in Mind.”
This year there are 27 participating floats including a number of government ministries and private companies. Last evening the flag-raising ceremony was hosted at D’Urban Park. President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and other government officials, as well as members of the diplomatic corps, were in attendance.
The Golden Arrowhead was hoisted at midnight with the traditional fireworks display by the Guyana Defence Force. The National awardees, 77 in total were also announced.
Mashramani 2019 officially kicked off with the All-Stars concert in Mabaruma on January 14. This concert saw the relatively new, young artistes along with those experienced; the likes of Michelle “Big Red” King, Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo, Young Bill Rogers, Brandon Harding and former Calypso Monarch, King Perai among others, taking the stage.
On February 17 the Carib Soca Monarch Competition was hosted and saw reigning Carib Soca Monarch, Brandon Harding, a Lindener retaining his crown for his song ‘ALIVE’.
The night before the battle for the Soca monarchy was the showdown for the Calypso Crown, which saw competitor Mighty Believer ascending the throne with his tune, ‘Guyana must be a Paradise’.
Steel pan fever took over the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, on Sunday night as ten school bands and three large bands competed at this year’s Republic Bank-sponsored, Pan-o-Rama Steel Band competition. Buxton triumphed as the biggest Pan-o-Rama.
Steven Ramphal copped the Chutney Monarch title for his song “Forget about your colour and let’s live in love” after stiff competition at the finals also hosted on February 17 as well. He also competed in Carib Soca Monarch competition copping second, with Harding barely clinching the title once more by just one point.
Guyana’s unique diverse folk traditions, food and games took centre stage at the inaugural Mashramani Folk Night held at the National Cultural Centre (NCC), on February 21.
A spectacular masquerade jamboree was also held on Thursday, February 21. The bands bounced, flounced and stepped along Main Street down to the Avenue of the Republic before taking their final bow in the Stabroek Square.
Another major highlight was the Children’s Mash which saw schools from the various districts showcasing their dancing skills with beautifully created costumes and floats representing our symbols of nationhood.
Importantly this year’s Mash activities were held across the ten administrative regions allowing for more involvement by a wider cross section of the citizens. This was part of the Ministry of Social Cohesion’s plan for the year’s celebration.
Stacy Carmichael.
Images: Department of Public Information.