Hundreds of persons lined the main thoroughfare of New Amsterdam to witness the costume and float parade, held in observance of Mashramani, which is celebrated nationally on February 23.While the crowd expressed disappointment with the display of only four floats, which represented the Region Six Democratic Council, the Department of Education, Regional Health Authority and the Police Youth Clubs of Berbice Division, others were pleased with the presentations.
The event brought persons from outside the township to mingle and celebrate, and among those who lined the roadway was Regional Executive Officer, Kim Williams Stephens.
She lauded the effort of the Special Event Committee, noting that the event fosters unity among the people.
Also in attendance was Regional Chairman, David Armogan, Deputy Executive Officer, Claude Henry, Director of Health Services, Jevaughn Stephens, Chief Executive Officer of the New Amsterdam Hospital, Colin Bynoe and other prominent members of the New Amsterdam Township.
During the parade which commenced at Tacama Turn, in the vicinity of Islington, North of New Amsterdam, Berbice Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam, led the largest contingent of over a hundred youths, drawn from clubs across the division.
Another group which garnered much participation was the Regional Health Authority, led by Bynoe.
The revellers gyrated to music of the mobile boom, boom boxes while the elderly and the young children swayed to the rhythms.
Fast food stalls, bar-b-que grills, bouncing castles and game booths sprung up in the sleepy township as beverages began to flow freely in the afternoon.