FROM the few costume bands that President Donald Ramotar was able to view parading around the National Park on Mash Day, he was impressed with those

in the large category, but found it difficult to pick a favourite.
At approximately 15:30 hrs President Ramotar dropped in at the venue when the atmosphere was heating up with the parade of costume bands making their entrance before a panel of judges and a packed arena.
He witnessed 10 out of the 30 costume bands that were on their final lap on a route that included Church and Irving Streets into Thomas Lands and culminating at the National Park during Guyana’s 43rd Republic anniversary celebration of Mashramani.
Those that he saw were Regions 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10, all of which showcased Guyana’s proud, diverse culture and wealth of natural resources and a performance by the popular masquerade band “Fire in the Land”.
The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce made its way in with costumes representing some of Guyana’s exotic wildlife such as the Canje Pheasant, the Cock of the Rock, the Black Caiman and the Jaguar.
Other costumes depicted the country’s rich and fresh rivers and streams and other images that are prominent features identifying Guyana such as the Stabroek Market, Red House, Parliament Buildings, and the National Library.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport had a contingent of 300 and under the auspices of its subject Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, carried the theme, “Slavery and Indentureship to Freedom.”
Its costumes portrayed a fusion of Guyana’s rich cultural heritage in keeping with three significant anniversaries for Guyanese of African, East Indian and Chinese ancestry. They include the 250 years of the Berbice Slave Rebellion, 175 years of the arrival of East Indian indentured immigrants and the 160 years since the arrival of Chinese immigrants.
The Ministry of Education came out with its king and queen costumes symbolising its commitment to eliminate illiteracy from society and produce good citizens for nationhood. The costume band was accompanied by “Fireworks”.
The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) had their revellers decked in the union’s colours blue, red, gold, silver and white and carrying umbrellas befitting for their theme “Umbrella of Unity.” The union is celebrating its 90th year in existence and sought to showcase that as well.
Having participated in a live interview with well- known journalist Bobby Vieira which was televised live on National Communications Network (NCN) and witnessed the kaleidoscope of colourful floats, President Ramotar said in an invited comment that “everyone seems to be enjoying themselves a lot.”
Having been satisfied with the parade, President Ramotar made his way to the streets on Vlissengen Road where he mingled with celebrants who were out in their thousands.