‘Slingshot’ advises revellers to leave jewellery at home
POPULAR Calypso and Soca icon, John ‘Slingshot’ Drepaul has advised revellers that come Mash Day; jewellery is better not worn in the crowds. Also giving a preview of what his band will offer on Mash Day, he said: “You do not have to be dandily dressed. Save yourself the expense of buying expensive clothing on that day and just make your way towards Slingshot’s Band at Church and Wellington Streets for a really good time.”
He said his entourage will move off from that point and wend its way East along Church Street with the rest of the parade.
Drepaul urged interested celebrants to turn out in their numbers and have a chance to be a part of his band.
“And remember, jewels could be spectacular, make you look good, but are better not worn in crowds,” he reiterated.
With just two days to go before Guyanese and visitors alike take to the streets in their thousands for the traditional ‘Mashramani Costume Band and Float Parade’, there is a hype and all systems are in place to ensure that revellers have a rollicking time.
As the countdown narrows, bands are busy fine-tuning and costume designers, amidst colour and glitter from fabric to paint brushes, are mustering up that vital last minute energy to make sure they get it right, adding the correct amount and shades of colour to portray what is intended.
It is estimated that thousands would be on the road, joining in revelry behind the bands. Others still would be there, not necessarily revelling, but just out there to either view the floats, picnic with family and friends or renew long lost acquaintances.
Then would also be those good old migrant Guyanese, at home for the occasion and browsing  through the various food marts on Merriman’s Mall and Vlissengen Road not least in the National Park, sniffing the aroma and desperate to find coconut water, watermelons, hot pepperpot and metagee, cook-up rice, roti and curry and dhal.
For the average Guyanese, there is no other like Mash Day, with the theme ‘Mashin with Pride: Keepin, we tradition alive’.