LAUNCHING their Mash band yesterday to the upbeat performance of local soca singer, Vanilla, the Ministry of Agriculture says they are ready to “Mash up the place” at next Thursday, February 23, annual Mashramani Costume and Float parade.The launch took place in the compound of the Hydrometeorological Department on Brickdam, where a few of the buzzing costumes were on display. The band is being launched under the theme, “Enhancing Agriculture for a Greener Guyana”.

Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, called the theme a “fitting one” that “reflects on building a resilient agriculture”.

“We must acknowledge the importance agriculture plays as we use this opportunity to highlight, not only our progress, but to showcase where we are heading as a sector. Agriculture remains an important player in Guyana’s development, and such importance will be depicted in this year’s costumes.”

The MoA band will be entered in the medium semi-costume category, and over 70 persons are expected to be in the band, which will include a ‘king of the road’ and a female individual.

MoA went with designer, Carol Fraser of Miracle Hands Designs, to bring their concept to life. The yellow and black costumes leave nothing to the imagination as to what they are depicting. But while the costumes will feature bees, Fraser shares that the float will focus more on sustainable energy.