Thousands thronged the streets of Georgetown and the National Park to participate and revel in the grandeur and splendour of Mashramani 2011. This phenomenal gravitation of Guyanese and visitors to these venues to savour this colourful national parade continues to increase over the years.

The crowds comprised  Guyanese from all strata of society. Its diverse mix in all aspects of the celebrations, truly exemplifies the cohesion of a diverse nation moving forward in harmony.

Surely, this must be envious for some nations with similar diversity. They are grappling, almost unsuccessfully, to unearth some semblance of unity among their peoples. Over the decades, Guyana has been a beacon of concord with its people solidly together working for continued peace, prosperity and progress. The mischievous few, who try to stoke sentiments of bias with the intent of sowing the seed of discord, must be wallowing in the pit of disbelief at the massive diverse crowd celebrating in unison.

Mashramani continues to grow with every passing year. So do the crowds. The fact that these large gatherings make merry without any incidents of violence, is testimony to the respect and tolerance Guyanese have for each other. Over the years, the PPP/C administration has ensured that activities for Mashramani are not confined to the capital City.

Whilst Mash began in Linden, for many years, a vast majority of related events were prominent in Georgetown. Now, major competitions and activities are held in all administrative regions of the country.

This ensures that all have equal opportunity to participate in this truly national extravaganza. This weekend, thousands more will flock Berbice and Linden as they host their parades. Over the years, large participatory crowds have not been confined to Mashramani. This is evident in the celebrations of other national festivals. The Deepavali motorcade brings out thousands across Guyana, while Guyanese of various ethnicities participate in Phagwah, Easter and other significant national observances.

This is testimony to the hospitality and tolerance of the caring and loving Guyanese populace.

These qualities must be recognised and commended for they have ensured that such a nation remains stable. The PPP/C administration has ensured the country remains stable despite challenges.

Prudent management through inclusive governance has led to a growing, stable and resilient economy, which provides the mechanisms for the advancement of the country and its people.
The resulting developments have presented many opportunities for celebrations. As the thousands took to the streets to celebrate just as the thousands who will do similarly in a few days, they tramp on the machinations of those who seek to divide.

This open and spontaneous response by Guyanese to celebrate after hard work as connoted by the word “Mashramani” dispels the wicked dreams of those who make pronouncements for their own narrow political gain without regard for the wellbeing of the nation and its people. Fortunately, Guyanese are now truly free and do not have to be coerced into believing the misinformation peddled by a misguided few who have taken full advantage of the freedoms they now enjoy in trying to obscure the numerous good reasons the populace have to celebrate. No longer are people forced to participate in the celebrations.

No longer is the “sword of Damocles” swinging over their heads in fear of losing jobs if they do not participate. Those days are gone. Gone are the days when some, again for their own political gains, tried to infuse lies that this administration was indisposed to the celebrations on Mashramani. The naysayers and the dividers have failed then and they have failed now. Their immediate failure has been ensured by the participation of the thousands who have freely thronged venues across the nation to celebrate.

Indeed, with the rapid developments over the last 18 years and with the freedom that has since prevailed, Guyanese are fully cognisant of the many reasons to celebrate not only at Mashramani, but at the numerous other occasions that now present themselves. Development is not only visible in the abundance of new infrastructure in all facets of the society, but also, by the freedom the people are now empowered with to judge for themselves.

If only the naysayers can pluck themselves from their delusion and their political narrow-mindedness. Then it will all be too clear for them; clear to see the reasons to celebrate.