Dear Editor,
Permit me space in your newspaper to express disappointment with the continued buffoonery occurring with the 2017 Mashramani route. I write on behalf of myself and all honest, hardworking vendors who depend on large events like Mashramani to increase the income earned.

I think it is absolutely ridiculous that the Mash route would return the same as it were last year from Brickdam to Durban Park. For one thing, this route is not only short but it provides limited areas for any vending to occur. I see this change as being bad for business and bad for the visitors, Guyanese or otherwise, who come to Guyana for this event.
I would have thought that with all the talk about tourism and the promotion of self -employed persons, opportunities would have been provided to allow for this.

However, it feels as if a concerted effort is being made to shrink the enthusiasm of the event. In my view it is either that, or someone very incompetent is responsible for this activity. It would require ones imagination to figure out why Minister Nicolette Henry is again responsible for a national event. I would have thought that after plastic cutlery at a significant event such as the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary dinner and the lamest program to celebrate our Golden Jubilee, the government would have learned their lesson.
There is already very little to do in Guyana; little entertainment.

If Guyana is touting economic development, quality living and an open door policy to the world, then events like Mashramani which is significant to our history should be promoted not downplayed. For the sake of hard working Guyanese who choose to make their daily living vending and others who own businesses, I kindly ask that the government review the Mashramani route and place resources where necessary for better promotion of this event.

Regards
Peter Joseph