THE Progressive Youth Organisation of Guyana (PYO) yesterday continued their Mash Camp activities at Freedom House with its second day entailing dedicated costume -making and entertainment provided by its members. The organisation is poised to take Mashramani 2015 by storm come February 23 with a 1000- strong band.PYO members hailing from Berbice, West Coast Demerara, Georgetown and its environs were entertained by the diverse talents in the organisation; dances done by a young lady from Enmore, another from Region 3, ‘Brittney’ and tantalizing Tassa Drumming by comrades from Success and Berbice were showcased.

General Secretary of the PPP/C Clement Rohee noted the PYO is hoping to achieve a greater presence in public life and greater recognition; the camp is intended to energize its members to participate in camaraderie, togetherness and love for each other to make activities such as the camp a success.
Minister of Housing and Water and PYO Chairman Irfaan Ali said: “The PYO wants to ensure the youths of Guyana understand the future of Guyana requires progressive thinking, stability and a vision of where we can go. The PYO wants Guyana to be a prosperous country, one which is economically viable and one which creates abounding opportunities for young people.”
He continued, “Our band will be celebrating and showcasing the many accomplishments we have achieved over the last 20 years that have transformed our economy for the better.”
Also speaking at the event was Region 8 Regional Executive Officer (REO), Ronald Harsawack, who related his success story as a former PYO member. He urged the youths to become knowledgeable of the successes of the people in the hinterland regions of Guyana.
“Before going to the interior, I was ignorant of the area and its features; however, it became the most productive two years of my career.”
He highlighted the plight of those youths living in the interior prior to 1992: “There was inadequate schooling, a child would have to walk miles to attend school. Writing CXC was a dream for most and only possible when the youths had families in Georgetown. Books, libraries and computers were not available, but the story is very different now.
“We are on the verge of opening the most expensive project the Ministry of Education has ever undertaken- the Kato Secondary School – at a cost of $780M in Region 8. Worthy CSEC Examination Results previously unheard of from villages in the interior have been numerous, providing tangible evidence of the successes of young people in the hinterland.”
The PYO, which has a membership base that spreads across the country, commonly observes Republic Day and Mashramani as these significant events in Guyana enable Guyanese to reflect on the country’s rich history, which led to development of a unique, free and democratic state.
The youths will continue decorating their Mash float, costumes and other gear at the location, each night until Mash Day. The public will be entertained in various ways.