IN a dazzling and colourful road show competition yesterday, children of schools in Region Two (Essequibo Coast) set the town of Anna Regina on fire with enthusiasm for Mash celebrations slated for Monday, February 23.The competition, reportedly organised by the Region Two Department of Education in collaboration with the Region Two Administration, had a large crowd of appreciative spectators transfixed on the public road as children dressed in brightly colored costume and clothing danced their way to the community centre ground.

Held under the theme ‘One people, One culture, One celebration’, the competition started off from the Lima junction to the south, and proceeded to Anna Regina in a slow procession along the public road. Students representing their various schools danced energetically and proudly waved the country’s flag, the Golden Arrowhead, to mark Guyana’s 45th Republic anniversary.

As the road show hit the commercial centre of the town, hundreds of residents — including workers from the Administrative office, shoppers and residents — flocked around the park and high bridge to watch the dazzling and energetic show, as students danced and celebrated their culture as one people with one love.

Reports are that the road show was led by students of nursery schools, followed by students of primary and secondary schools. The atmosphere was filled with loud music, laughter, joy, happiness and togetherness, firing up Anna Regina’s commercial centre with anticipation for the Mash celebrations set for Monday.

A release from the Region Two Administration has said all preparations are in place for a massive celebration on Monday. According to the release, the Administration will hold its flag-raising ceremony at 7am on Monday on the Anna Regina Fire Station Tarmac to usher in the country’s 45th anniversary. The release said Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Alli Baksh, is scheduled to address Essequibians on the country’s historic occasion.

The Minister will also take the salute from the disciplined services.

According to the release, Mash Day celebrations are expected to begin from 10:00am with a float parade and revelling on the public road from Three Friends village located south of the town, then into Anna Regina, and from thence into the community centre ground, where a grand celebration will take place.

Some of the floats that will be on the road show will include RDC Region 2, Suddie and Charity public hospitals, Essequibo Technical Institute, Fashion & Beyond of Henrietta, International Link also of Henrietta, Ramlakhan Rice Mills, G & P Jaigobin Supermarket, Vish Turbo contractor, New Opportunity Corp, Cotton Field group and Puran Man Man business company of Airy Hall.

The release said three masquerade bands (Tarus of Aurora, Village Ram of Suddie, and the Dartmouth Group) will provide live masquerade action on the public road.

Several thousand Essequibians are expected at Anna Regina for the grand celebrations.

(By Rajendra Prabhulall)