– Minister Anthony
WITH the conclusion countrywide of the Mashramani celebrations, Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony said 2011 marked an excellent way to celebrate the 41st Republic Anniversary. “All the activities we had were very successful and, indeed, the float parades were quite popular. They were all well attended and the contingents, very colourful, represented a high level of creativity,” he remarked.
Anthony told the Guyana Chronicle the revelry across the Regions did well, more particularly in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne); Mahdia in Region Eight (Potaro/ Siparuni) and Linden in Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Berbice).
He noted that some of the floats seen in Georgetown participated in both the Berbice and Linden parades.
About the concerns among many Guyanese, over the Commercial Sex Workers Band, Anthony pointed out that maintaining a certain standard is always difficult.
“There are always some who will be on the extremes and we have seen that in this and previous parades. We see people very scantily clad do all kinds of things for attention. It is difficult to regulate,” he lamented.
Anthony observed that, even if extremists are not in the parade, they can be on the sidelines and still perform and attract attention but emphasised the appeal to people’s general sense of decency.
“Families come out and children are on the roads and people need to learn appropriate behaviour. Once we raise the level of the parade, we should not have a problem,” he posited.
However, Anthony said he is not optimistic that, in the near future, all inappropriate conduct will cease completely.
“At the end of the day, the celebrations are for all Guyanese to participate comfortably,” he offered.
Anthony said the Central Mashramani Committee is expected to meet today and, its review, will inform plans for Mashramani 2012. Usually, there is a three months break before planning for the next year begins.
“Each year, we look at how we can improve and on what. We are inviting suggestions from the public and those can be sent to the Committee,” he pointed out.
A presentation ceremony will be held tomorrow to reward the prize-winning participants of the 2011 Mashramani celebrations that were themed ‘Showcasing of our Culture: Sustaining of our Pride’.