THE organisers are expecting thousands of people, including overseas visitors, to be present at the colourful Masquerade Competition, being staged today at Charity, on Essequibo Coast. The annual contest, sponsored by the Alfro Alphonso Group of companies and the Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) Regional Democratic Council (RDC), begins at 10:00 hrs.

Several bands from across the Essequibo Coast will be competing among themselves for $900,000 in cash prizes and trophies.
Masquerading, which is part of the Christmas Season celebrations, gathers Essequibians together in an atmosphere of joy, peace, love and laughter.
This year, the venue is the tarmac of Xenon International Hotel, Restaurant and Bar and will include a Black Cake and Ginger Beer competition, too.
Pomeroon is known for producing the Carambola fruit that is an important ingredient for Black Cake and ginger is also grown in abundance there.