– Minister Anthony
MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony has challenged local businesses to invest in young designers.
His urging, on Monday night, was when the Private Sector interacted with designers in a market like setting, at the Umana Yana, in Kingston, Georgetown. Calling the event a historic one, Anthony said affordable costumes that reach a large number of people would enhance Mashramani 2011.
He observed that most of the materials used in making them are local and said his ministry wants to reduce the price of the attire so that persons could participate in Mashramani wearing garments that are beautiful, creative and affordable.
Anthony told the Private Sector representatives they would be making a worthwhile investment in creativity.
He said: “We can pride ourselves in the number of creative persons that are in Guyana. But, if we do not invest, there would be a loss.”
Anthony expressed the hope that persons would come from abroad to marvel at the creativity.
At the Mashramani promotion last month, under the theme ‘Showcasing our Culture, Sustaining our Pride’, he advocated Private Sector partnership with non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Anthony exhorted citizens to decorate their homes, business premises and non-traditional places, such as churches and schools, as a way of demonstrating national pride and patriotism.
The event hostess, designer Carol Fraser, herself a presenter, said  three main categories showcased were T-shirt, semi-costume and full costume.
Other designers displaying their creations were Carol Fraser, Abiola Garraway, Neilson Nurse, Natasha Davis, Carlos Williams, Olympia Small-Sonaram, Christopher Goodridge, Maxine Hall, Patricia Hellwig, Karen Ross, Paula Evans, Roger Evelyn, Trevor Alfred and Jennifer Gibson.
Mash 2011 will mark Guyana’s 41st Republic Anniversary.