– new route under consideration

EACH year, thousands of spectators gather alongside the annual Mashramani Float Parade route in Georgetown, but segments of the frolicking crowds have been encroaching on the parade, greatly slowing its pace towards the National Park.And as the Republic Day Mash celebrations keep getting larger in terms of revellers, floats and picnicking spectators, it is a growing challenge to work out the logistics to deal with the congestion of persons traversing the route, and slowing the parade to a drag.
Coordinator of the Mash Secretariat Lennox Canterbury in a recent interview with this newspaper expressed some concerns over this situation.
People travel from miles out of the city to be a part of the celebrations, which has developed into a huge fun and frolic spectacle with a large turnout of spectators, including families and a growing number of tourists, besides scores of food and beverage vendors.
It has been observed too that this annual Mashramani celebration, a part of Guyanese culture for 44 years now, has been attracting a number of talented costume designers and high-energy revellers.
Canterbury said that permission is usually given to persons who wish to operate food and beverage stalls on that day on Merriman’s Mall or on Vlissingen Road. However, its important that Irving Street and Thomas Lands are kept clear of businesses and large picnic groups so as to give way to the costume and float parade.
Eyeing Route Change
The Mash coordinator said further, that the committee will be viewing the 2014 proceedings with an eye to determine whether a route change might be necessary in the future.
The route that might be an alternative is the Rupert Craig Highway from the University of Guyana junction onto Carifesta Avenue and into the National Park.
In the meantime, the Mash committee is imploring the public to be mindful of keeping the roads free of congestion to give way to the parade.

( By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)