ASSISTANT Director of Culture, Colonel Linden Ross, told this publication in a telephone interview on Thursday that preparations for Mashramani 2013 are well underway, with the main focus presently being on the Calypso and Chutney Monarch competitions.
He said the latter contest, which will be staged sometime in December, would be the first in a series of activities planned for Mashramani. Others, such as the Soca and Calypso Monarch contests,

will begin from early next year.
Ross explained that competitors for the various titles have until December to submit entries. However, he could not now reveal any more specifics, as these have not yet been confirmed; but he said a committee will be meeting sometime next week for related discussions.
Mashramani 2013 was officially launched two weeks ago under the theme ‘Reflecting Creativity, Embracing Diversity.’ At that ceremony, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, had stated that the Central Mashramani Committee had been working on creating a calendar of events, which would be released sometime in December.
Ross noted that the list has been drafted, but it cannot be released as yet, because it has not been made official. Nevertheless, he said Guyanese citizens and foreigners alike can look forward to its release sometime in the coming weeks.
Minister Anthony had also highlighted that although the ministry would be maintaining most of the traditional elements associated with Mashramani in Guyana, persons can also expect some new additions.