Mash Costume, Float Parade returns to New Amsterdam
–evokes deep sense of pride, patriotism
AFTER an approximate twenty-year absence, the Berbice township of New Amsterdam saw hundreds turn out in a riot of colours to celebrate Mashramani along the streets, whilst simultaneously catching a glimpse of the several floats and costumed revellers as they gyrated to pre-recorded music which blared from music sets perched high atop trucks. The New Amsterdam response to the festivities, which over the years had vanished, was described as good and refreshing, and many are optimistic that next year’s celebrations will be better.
Over the years, the town’s display of costumes and floats where amongst those which adorned the streets of Georgetown on Mashramani Day, much to the displeasure of the citizenry, who believed that they should not have to wait until the Sunday following the event to indulge in their version of celebrations.
Consequently, a twenty-five-member committee was formed, three weeks ago, with former Mayor and Businessman Errol Alphonso as patron, to resuscitate Mash Day celebrations on the actual anniversary day.
Public Relation Officer of that committee, Ms Maxine Williams, reported that the initial group had dwindled to nine, as many thought it was an impossible feat to ‘pull off’ the Mashramani celebrations on the actual day [February 23].
“But the rest is history,” Williams boasted. “The turnout of the citizens today [Mash Day] shows that we can organize at the local level. Our local designers can stand up and compete with any other designers. It has been an excellent show of our designers — Leila Clarke [Administrator], Beverly Hazelwood [retired teacher], Petra and Portia, Stella Johnson and Troy Arthur, along with the Alphonso family and Kris Fernandes, who were our main sponsors. This has been a major success. Next year, we will be bigger and better.”
Earlier, the participants converged at the Tacama Turn, the junction between New Amsterdam and the East Bank roadway, where they commenced their almost two-mile journey to the New Amsterdam Ferry Stelling roadway. It was a display of colour and high energy from the mainly youthful participants, who were led  by members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Stanleytown.
In an invited comment, Deacon Matthew said, “Although the procession started late, the turnout has been good. I believed they [the organizers] did the right thing by allowing the church to lead, so that people can turn from their wicked ways and turn to Christ.”
The church was followed by bands, ranging from forty to sixty persons respectively, from the New Amsterdam Technical Institute, the Fort Canje Revellers, the New Amsterdam Mash Committee, and the Tucber Park Youth Group.
Meanwhile, hundreds, including the aged, the disabled, and those from other Berbice towns and villages, lined the main thoroughfare of New Amsterdam to witness return of the float and costume parade to the township. One onlooker confessed to feeling a deep sense of pride and patriotism at witnessing events. “I feel so good. Not everyone can go to Georgetown to witness the various entities on display. I must compliment the organizers. May God bless them all.” ‘
While there were no visible signs of officials from the municipality or regional councillors, this newspaper sought to have a comment from President of the Berbice Chambers of Commerce, Mr. Imran Sacoor, who declined to comment, but instead referred this newspaper to an article printed in the Kaieteur News in which were unsavoury remarks made about him by former mayor Errol Alphonso. Nevertheless, despite his verbal restraint, Sacoor was seen gleefully viewing the celebrations with friends along the route.
The return of Mash Day festivities to New Amsterdam on the designated February 23 has had a most enervating effect on East Berbicians, and one can only anticipate what next year’s celebrations would be like.