Zzzzz, zzzzz….SLAP!  That ubiquitous pest – Betsy, the mosquito, will play a starring role in local optician Don Gomes offerings for this year’s Mashramani festival.
The local optician, who is just as well-known for his creative pieces, told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday that he is ready and rearing to go in Mashramani 2011.
The head of Betsy, in all her Culicidaen glory, is on display to the general public outside Gomes optical services at 71 Brickdam, and is already creating quite a stir with persons who stop to stare at her weird alien-like countenance and wonder what it might be. And just what is the theme here, you might wonder? Gomes said the theme is “Mosquito like to suck your blood”. Continuing, he said that the mosquito likes to live in Georgetown going on to talk about the garbage, clogged drains, stagnant water and empty receptacles in yards.
The concept gets interesting as Gomes goes on to describe how the mosquito will be brought to life on Mashramani day. Don’t get too close or Betsy’s long proboscis, the tip dipped in red paint (blood) might get you.
Pointing out that it is a national celebration, Gomes earnestly said that Mashramani has the potential to generate serious funds. Furthermore, he noted that Guyana is now attracting more persons from the Caribbean for entertainment, citing among other improvements the National Stadium.
He believes that this year Mashramani will really blossom and “with the right flavor, is going to be the right cook-up rice”.
Gomes plans to throw a “surprise” party for Jimmy Hamilton who is now 80. If you don’t already know,  Jimmy Hamilton is one of a group, the others being  Walter Melville, Claude Saul, Jim Blackman, Clavis Joseph, and Michael Brassington, who were all leading members of the Jaycees of Greater Mackenzie (Mackenzie, Wismar and Christianburg) most of them middle-managers of Demerara Bauxite. They were responsible for founding, designing, planning and administering the first Mashramani, performed in Linden on February 23, 1970. Mashramani was later moved to Georgetown in 1972 and was then taken over by the government in 1973.
But won’t Jimmy hear, and the “surprise” be ruined? Well, don’t tell Jimmy if you see him, said Gomes.
The costume was designed by Guyanese born designer Maxi K. Williams who has already showcased his skill in North America, Europe, South America and the Caribbean.
Mash 2011 will mark Guyana’s 41st Republic Anniversary.