FOR the fourth consecutive year the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) on Thursday presented the Ministry of Education with a $3M cheque to assist with activities for the Mashramani Children’s Costume Parade slated for February 14.

Allied Arts Unit Administrator Ms. Desiree Whyles-Ogle thanked GT&T for associating themselves yet again with the children’s Mashramani activities as she explained that “you will be contributing to the education process of our children.” She related that for the fourth year the company will be supporting one of main activities for the children Mashramani competitions.
Ogle explained the history behind the commencement of the children’s Mashramani activities. “Mash activities started in 1996 at the National Cultural Centre with a little walk and then eventually the activities moved to February 23. But it was posing a problem with the timing of the senior Mash parade which was starting until noon, so it was then put to the Saturday before the Mash activities starting at the Promenade Gardens,” she related.
According to the administrator, theatre arts are now examinable at the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) examination level, where part of the syllabus is to observe a cultural event. “Before our students would have to leave to observe carnival in another country as a cultural event as a part of the syllabus; but the department and the ministry have lobbied for our own Mashramani to be included as part of the cultural form,” she stressed.
Senior Marketing OfficerAnji Hackett of GT&T explained that the two entities have partnered on many other projects but this has been the fourth consecutive year that the company is supporting the Children’s Mashramani Costume Parade. “GT&T has been part of this celebration for the past three years and we are proud to say that we will be continuing our sponsorship for the 2015 costume parade”, Hackett said.
“We all look forward to the Children’s Costume Competition and moreso because watching our young people embrace our diversity and culture and showcasing their talents is something we are all proud of,” she said.
Speaking briefly, Permanent Secretary of the Education Ministry, ms. Delma Nedd thanked GT&T for their continued support shown towards the Children’s Costume Parade slated for next Saturday. She encouraged parents and children to come out on February 14 and support the children and teachers who would be a part of the parade.(Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)
CAPTION: Photo saved in ‘GTT’ Folder in Graphics