MINISTRY of Tourism, Industry and Commerce took a band of scores to participate in the Mashramani Float Parade in Georgetown on Wednesday.
Dressed in dazzling costumes, they were part of the procession marking Guyana’s 41st Republic Anniversary, themed ‘Showcasing Our Culture: Sustaining Our Pride.’
With sparkles and in splendor, the masqueraders gyrated to the rhythms of the music emanating from a truck leading them as they depicted the Ministry’s theme ‘Flora, Fauna, Culture-Our Pride.’
It was a display of a mass of moving men and women cheered by crowds for their portrayal of massive animals and plants, all native to this country, well synchronized, with dancers expertly entertaining eager onlookers.
As the ‘Giants of the Amazon’ moved through the streets, the teeming throngs were captivated by the flamboyant displaying of jaguars, caimans, heliconias.
The band’s ‘piece de resistance’ was an enormous 10 feet anaconda slithering that enraptured all those gawking at its shimmering green body.
Caught in the excitement, Executive Director of Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh declared that this year’s representation by the Tourism Ministry is, by far, the biggest and most colourful to date.
He said the band ventured out in glory and splendor, in a bid to cop the top prize in the medium category.
Haralsingh explained that, even though the intention was to dominate in that group, the main aim was to enjoy the holiday and all that it represents.
“We are pleased to be here today and to join all Guyanese in celebrating this milestone since we have accomplished a lot over the last 41 years,” he said.
Haralsingh said: “We have been witnessing quite a lot more investments and foreign participation and this is an indication that we are growing and we can only get bigger from here.”
He expressed his appreciation to all supporters and participants, who turned out despite the threat of rainy weather, adding that it was indicative of the spirit and togetherness that permeates the Guyanese society.