POPULAR calypsonian Winfield James, Monday, introduced President Donald Ramotar to concepts he invented for Mashramani 2012 that symbolise Guyana in the near future.
The artiste and designer displayed replicas of costumes that he themed “Fantasy of Projections,” depicting mining, hydropower, roads, infrastructure and agriculture.
James told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that President Ramotar is the first to get a glimpse of his new ideas and that after having taken a break from the Mash festivity, he is eager to return.
“I want to get back in and do something … I won band of the year years ago, and I stopped doing Mash to concentrate on calypso and Mother’s Day shows; but the feeling is there to do Mash again this year,” James said.
His ideas were endorsed by President Ramotar who referred him to Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony for further discussions.
James, who is also a contender in this year’s Mashramani calypso competition, sang an excerpt from his entry for this year, which focuses on domestic violence.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has promised to bring uniqueness to Mashramani 2012, with lectures, cultural discussions, workshops, folk concerts and an art exhibition that balances the carnival aspect with educational values.
Along with the calendar of activities that culminates with the costume and float parade in the city on Mash Day, Mashramani 2012 will include the Inaugural Republic of Guyana lecture, shared perspectives by Professor John Rickford from Stanford University, various workshops to showcase ‘culture relating to growth of development’, folk concerts, and an art exhibition at Castellani House.