AS February 23 draws near, preparations for this festive event are well underway as “sprucing up” continues along the Mash parade route. The Guyana Chronicle observed that preparations for Mash Day are continuing daily with persons recently cleaning the trenches along the route that will be used on that day. Grass cutters were seen yesterday putting final touches to the parapet along Irvin Street and Vlissengen Road.
Also noticeable are the vending spots sold by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), brightly numbered on Vlissengen Road, and notices proclaiming that no vending will take place on the mash route. Lennox Canterbury, Head of the Mash Secretariat, in reply to the statements concerning vending and congestion by individuals, disclosed that they have partnered with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to maintain order, especially ensuring that there will be no vending along the route (North Road-Church Street-Irving Street-Thomas Lands), so as to prevent the usual congestion and make more room for the parades.
Meanwhile, speaking at a recent meeting held at the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport, a police rank disclosed that they had a “walk along” the route which the parade follows and identified areas which will be barricaded to prevent persons from going into the path of the floats.
The rank disclosed that all of the intersecting roads along Irving and Church Streets will be blocked and supervised by police to ensure that vehicles cannot enter into the path of the parade.
“At the head of Lamaha Street leading into the intersection of Irving Street there will be a double barrier; and also at Sandy Babb Street into the turning point at Thomas Lands,” said the rank.