THE first meeting of the central planning committee responsible for the Mashramani activities was held yesterday with a focus on ways to improve the Republic Day celebration and its allied activities.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony chairs the committee which comprises representatives from the Ministries of Local Government and Education, Guyana Fire Service, Mayor and City Council, Guyana Police Force among others. The meeting was held in the boardroom of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

Among those in attendance were Mash Coordinator Lennox Canterbury, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Alfred King, and new Director of Culture Dr. James Rose.

Musical icon Dave Martins was also in attendance and indicated his willingness to be involved in the planning of some of the activities.

Next year’s Mashramani celebration promises to be one of significance given that it will usher in 40 years of Guyana as a Republican nation. In this regard, the planning committee has taken into consideration, promoting the cultural event to reflect such an achievement.

Mashramani day celebration is usually the highlight event on a calendar of planned activities that includes masquerade, calypso, chutney, children’s steel pan and costume competitions, regional activities and flag raising ceremonies.

Convenors for the various competitions who were part of the meeting, updated the minister on the successes and short-comings of previous years activities and ways in which the upcoming ones can be better organized.

Minister Anthony stressed on the importance of early planning, given the uniqueness which he intends to give to ‘Mashramani 2010’.

The Minister also proposed some new ideas which he believes can add to the dynamism of next year’s celebration.

The Mash Secretariat, located on Middle Street, is up and running and has already advertised for entries to the 2010 theme competition which requires the theme to be reflective of the spirit of the Mash festival, not more than eight words and accompanied by a brief explanation.

The Secretariat is requesting that entries be submitted to the Mash Coordinator. A sum of $30,000 is up for grabs.

The competition closes on September 25 and will be judged by a panel chosen by the Central Mash Committee. The winning entry and the creator will be rewarded, during the launch of Mash 2010. (GINA)