A TRULY colourful display of Mashramani, with creativity, talent and style, showcased the Children’s Mashramani Parade which wended its way through the streets of Georgetown and concluded at the National Park yesterday. Thousands of persons, including children and elderly folks, braved the hot sun to enjoy the spectacle and celebrate the Parade in true Guyanese style.

With nearly fifty schools competing in three categories, topped up by participation from the Departments of Education of Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10, a truly unforgettable Mashramani Children’s Parade was staged.

Proceedings commenced at the Parade Ground at Carmichael & Middle Streets in Georgetown and wended its way into Camp Street, then into Lamaha Street, then into Albert Street, before entering the National Park, where the costumes were finally judged.

Participating schools in the nursery category included the South Road, Alexander Village, Head Start, Selman Fraser, and Secret Hearts nursery; whilst the primary school participants were drawn from South Ruimveldt, St. Stephens, Winfer Gardens, and North Georgetown Primary schools.

Some schools displayed traditional costumes designed in carnival-like styles, with glitter and paint all made from local raw materials. Others depicted some historic monuments of Guyana which have relevance to Mashramani celebrations.

Local soca and calypso music pulsated as the children enjoyed themselves in the bright weather, dancing to the music. Some inevitably were exhausted after the fun-fest, while the more seasoned of them of  Mashramanis past were still rearing to go.

At the National Park, thousands gathered, filling the stands in true picnic style and expressing delight at the presence of vendors, who sold everything conceivable under the sun.

Among those witnessing this event were Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony; officials of the sponsor, GT&T; and Mashramani Committee members and coordinators. Ministry of Education personnel and officials from the respective regional education departments were very much in evidence.
Region 6 Department of Education captured the hearts of those present portraying the services of the telecommunication company GT&T with a song and costumes depicting the network and the significant technological improvements it has brought to the Guyanese nation.

Other creative costumes were worn by students of the President’s College, and by the Department of Education of Region 8, in the male and female categories.