… artistes, designers, participants all put on a great show
MORE than 80,000 persons came out to participate in Guyana’s 42nd Republic Anniversary celebrations, and the event has been deemed a resounding success. Culture Minister Dr Frank Anthony, in an interview with this publication, said Mashramani 2012 has been a great success despite the challenges that were encountered at all levels.
The minster noted that the regions have been playing their part and there were activities in Regions 2, 4, 6, and 10, and also in Bartica. Mash committees in these regions were responsible for the activities.
The Culture Ministry was responsible for the calypso, chutney health song and the soca monarch competitions, and the ministry has ensured that they were carried out effectively.
In all these competitions, there was some amount of sponsorship from various public and private sector entities.
Minster Anthony pointed out that the competitions have also paved the way for local singers to represent Guyana at international levels.
“I think we have had fairly successful competitions, as you would know, and the winners of the chutney competition would have gone on to represent Guyana.”
He said, “We have now structured an agreement with the promoter in Trinidad to ensure that this collaboration continues, and hopefully we will be able to structure the same thing for the soca competition.”
However, while there were improvements in the various competitions, some crowd participation was hindered due to the inclement weather.

Steel pan competition
Turning his attention to the steel pan competition, the Minster pointed out that over the years, the competition has grown, and will result in the ministry moving the event to another venue next time, to accommodate the bands.
“Over the years, Republic Bank has sponsored the competition, and it is held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall; but we have outgrown that venue.
According to Minster Anthony, this year there has been an increase in the amount of schools participating in the event, and there were new community bands as well.
He said that the ministry, over the years, have been hiring persons to work along with schools to improve the art, so that the bands can participate at national events throughout the year, and represent Guyana whenever necessary.
Dr. Anthony reminded that the proceeds coming out of the steel band competition will be used to buy a band for a community that does not have one.
He pointed out that while Guyana’s steel pan industry is continuously growing, one of the deficiencies is the absence of tuners, and this is one of the areas that will be looked at this year.
He mentioned new activities this time around, including an exhibition at the National Museum, and this was met with a favourable feedback from school teachers, who assured the ministry that students found it very informative.
Then there was an art exhibition, in which a number of schools participated, and next year he hopes to see more primary and secondary schools involved.
Minister Anthony also commended the Education Ministry for the successful staging of the children’s competitions, including dance, costume and dramatic poetry.
He also commended designers and participants who made the float parade, with its 32 bands, a resounding and colourful success.