MASHRAMANI: Guyana’s official 40th Republic Anniversary Commemorative Magazine, was released last Friday evening, at a ceremony to herald Mashramani 2011 in the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown. The 40-page publication, for free distribution, is the result of efforts by the Mashramani 2010 Secretariat in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, under the aegis of the Central Mashramani 2010 Management Committee.
The compilation was researched by Ms. Shunae Samuels of the Department of Culture and Ms. Bhavana Gossai of the National Trust and edited by newspaper columnist and cultural exponent Allan Fenty.
Described as a prestigious keepsake souvenir, the book, produced by Corbin Media Group (CMG), publishers of Guyana Entertainment Magazine (GEM), records both the political and constitutional milestone of the 40th Republican Anniversary and the origin,  concept and development of  Mashramani celebrations.
It is a repository of information and educational as well as it is entertaining, containing beautiful pictures, the Proclamation of the Republic, data on national symbols, the origin of Mashramani, expansion, innovation and components of it, poetry, themes competition winners and champions, excerpts from the programme for the first Republic celebrations and more.
The compendium is part of the Ministry’s package of legacy products and, at the function, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony highlighted the need for materials that people can relate to after Mashramani celebrations would have concluded.
The theme for 2011 is ‘Showcasing our Culture, Sustaining our Pride’.