MANY buildings at all corners of Georgetown have taken up the challenge to be decorated for the national celebration of Mashramani. Under the theme ‘One People, One Culture, One Celebration”, public and private entities have chosen to decorate their building with Guyana flags and other patriotic symbols in support of the country’s 45th Republic Anniversary.

Speaking briefly with the Guyana Chronicle during a recent interview, coordinator of the Mash Secretariat Lennox Canterbury noted that this is a traditional aspect of the Mashramani celebrations. However, it is a growing tradition with many more entities showcasing their patriotism and talents in support of the event.
According to Canterbury, in the past most public buildings such as the ministries came on board to have their buildings nicely decorated but many more private businesses are seen decorating their buildings. “We even have some of the private schools getting involved decorating their environs with flags and banners.”
This newspaper visited a few of the decorated buildings, noting the talents showcased in attractively decorating their buildings. Many buildings on Regent Street, even with just Guyana flags, showed their patriotic pride.
It’s an attractive spectacle each year to see many buildings being transformed by the creative use of the Guyana flag. Guyana Water Inc.,(GWI), Ministry of Education and Hand in Hand Group of Companies have outdone themselves this year.
The Guyana Chronicle spoke with a few persons, who were trying to get some of their Mash shopping done, and they explained that it is always nice to see the stores and buildings decorated. “It’s nice to see the place decorated with our flags and not like how it is at Christmas,” Mrs Persaud said.
Another shopper, Shaun, related that when he was a ‘little boy’ seeing the place decorated helped to get persons in the Mash mood. “I will have to take my children on a little drive around the town so they can see some of what happens during Mash time,” he said.

(By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)