Mashramani is a significant milestone in our country’s history, and a time of heightened national pride. Commonly referred to as ‘Mash’, the term ‘Mashramani’ refers to the festival

that celebrates Guyana becoming a Republic on February 23, 1970. The word is derived from an Amerindian language which translates to “the celebration after hard work”. The festival surrounding Mashramani has its roots in McKenzie, Linden when members of the Jaycees International Chapter- which held responsibility for promoting the development of Linden at the time – began planning a carnival to celebrate Guyana’s Independence in 1966.

As Guyana geared toward Republican status, the coordinators in 1969, consulted several persons for a name for the Carnival. But it was local resident Mr. Allan Fiedtkou, who explained a type of festival- Mashramani- that was observed by the Amerindians after hard labour. The name was later adopted by the organisers. Mashramani was then made into a national event, and was brought to Georgetown after consultations with the Jaycees. Today,

Mashramani is a colourful celebration that involves a rich mix of culture and festivities. From Calypso competitions, Masquerade bands and steel pan, Mashramani has become the largest festival in Guyana, culminating with a Flag Raising Ceremony at midnight and a float parade the following day.

This year, observed under the theme “Celebration with dignity, liberty and greater unity”, Mashramani continues to play its part in the cultural preservation of Guyana’s patrimony. President David Granger, during his address to the nation for the 47th Republic Anniversary said that Guyana’s establishment as a Cooperative Republic intensified the people’s efforts to unite into a plural nation under the inspirational motto – ‘One people, One nation, One destiny’. “The Republic guaranteed greater cultural freedom, encouraged diverse beliefs, respected differences of creed, culture, race or religion and entrenched

constitutional protection to proscribe discrimination. The Republic started the task of shaping a society that was culturally plural by promoting the unhindered celebration of the Christian, Islamic and the Hindu festivals. The Republic aspired to ensure that we would live together in harmony free from racial and religious conflict,” the President said.

Minister within the Ministry of Education with responsibility for the Department Culture, Youth and Sport, Nicolette Henry said that based on attendance at this year’s activities, the spirit of Mashramani is very much alive. “We are particularly pleased that people have found the time and the interest to engage and we’ve been able to see the level of participation and enthusiasm we’d had for Mashramani 2017,” she said. The Minister said that Mashramani celebrations are observed countrywide, and that the Ministry works closely with regional officials to ensure that persons in every region fully enjoy the festivities that are hosted there.

Ministers of Government travelled to the various regions to observe the celebrations with the residents. Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. Aubrey Norton, who attended the Flag Raising Ceremony in Bartica, Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven) said that the country has much to celebrate and it is because of the hard work of our ancestors who worked to make Guyana a Cooperative Republic. He encouraged the people of Bartica to let go of their grievances and to unite as a people, not only for the Republic Anniversary but all year round. “We must not forget that we are one people, living in one nation and working towards one destiny. As we celebrate our Republic anniversary, let it be a celebration which is free from any forms of violence and crime,” Minister Norton said.

On February 23, thousands took to the streets despite inclement weather to observe the

annual Mashramani Float Parade. This year, the revellers traversed a new route, moving from Bank of Guyana, along Avenue of the Republic and up Brickdam, culminating at the D’Urban Park. The route, which was first observed for the country’s 50th Anniversary last year has caused concern to be raised by the public, but Minister Henry said that this is a decision that will continue to be looked at by government.

“I know persons would have expressed concerns about the route. I want to point out that we continue to look at it and we will continue to engage and we will look until we come up with something that most people are comfortable with at his point in time, there’s pretty much a dichotomy of opinions, I’ve received very positive feedback and negative,” Minister Henry said. “People are ambivalent to it but we will move forward with it and we would certainly want to continue to engage until we eventually get to a point that we ourselves are comfortable and we can concentrate on bigger and real issues.”

More than just focusing on the Parade, the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport is also proud of the execution of several other activities throughout the season. Event Coordinator for the Mash Committee, Mr. Lennox Canterbury, said that planning for this year’s festivities began last October. With conveners overseeing all the activities occurring around the country, this ensured the smooth execution of those that have passed, including a Chutney Competition, Calypso Competition, Indian Dance Competition, Literary Street fair and many others.

Among these, however, he said that it was the Steel Pan and Calypso Competitions that have

seen record numbers this year and that these two events continue to grow in popularity. But more importantly, he said that Mashramani continues to engage the young people and this in turn helps to keep them have a deeper appreciation for their culture. “We have to make sure that the culture stays alive. We have to put mechanisms in place to allow young people to become involved from a very tender age to appreciate the art form and then they can develop and become part and parcel of it and they can also train the younger ones,” he said.

While social cohesion may be imbedded in the theme, however, it is the Green State that is getting much attention from the bands. The Ministry of Education’s own band, which was launched on Tuesday, bore the theme “Guyana an Emerging Green State”. The Float incorporates Green energy and biodiversity aspects that all promote Guyana’s emergence as a Green State. Designer of the Ministry’s float and Coordinator of the Burrowes School of Art, Ms. Volda Ramsammy said that the symbols of the float tie in closely with President Granger’s focus on a Green economy.

The Ministry of the Presidency also joined the parade this year with their float depicting “Renewable Energy to achieve a Green Economy”. With the Ministry’s building currently under construction, and its inability to be adorned with flag colours like other government buildings, the initiative was taken by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, to join the float parade in order to take part in the Mashramani celebrations.

Earlier in the month the Ministry of Natural Resources also launched their band which focused on the importance of the country’s natural resources to the green economy as well as the sustainable management of the extractive industries.

Mashramani also allows the participation of the youth, and gives major focus to youth related activities. The Children’s Mashramani Competition held annually gives testimony to that where children from all regions compete in the areas of Dance, Dramatic Poetry, Calypso, Choir Presentation, Costume, Steel pan, Physical Display and Masquerade.

The Children’s Mashramani Competition is managed by the Unit of Allied Arts within the Ministry of Education and aims at promoting the Expressive Arts. It also encourages children to showcase their talents while developing pride in their national identity. This year’s competition also took the tone of promoting a green economy. As such, schools were encouraged to showcase messages that encouraged and recognised the process of transitioning to a green economy.