AFTER all, Heaven stayed its hands; and the much predicted continuation of the early week’s heavy deluge did not occur on the night prior to Mash. Came Wednesday, the sun shone in all its tropical glory and the Guyanese people were allowed to celebrate what has been described as the biggest  Mash observance to date, with a jump up that exhibited colour and spirit with the noted GT wine! What a huge city fete it became, especially as nightfall descended, with Vlissengen Road and Homestretch Avenue, the two points of high voltage jump up. Party din wan dun!, as would be said  in that traditional Guyanese lingo.
Well, faith did indeed work miracles, as word had it that the Church’s insistence carried the case for Wednesday. But, whereas the latter instance was one of positivity and blessed assurance, there were those voices from the regular quarters that would have wished for this fete day in the nation’s calendar not to take place. Obviously, they must have been greatly disappointed when they awoke early on February 23, only to find the sun rising majestically in the Eastern skies. But they were a minority, obviously dissipating slowly, but surely.
It was so wonderful to observe much more of the Guyanese ethnic mix in this year’s celebrations; not only in the costume bands parade, but also evident in the thousands who thronged the routes in family groupings, picnicking  on the grass verges and wherever possible, and even as solitary spectators. This was indeed a true manifestation of what Mash is all about: celebration after work, and with all participating – THE GUYANESE PEOPLE. Even the critics cannot deny this display of  the national spirit on show.
It is fervently hoped that this growing national togetherness can be nurtured sustainably for the good and betterment of all.