THE theme for Mashramani this year is: “Celebrate Mash 49 with Victory in Mind”. I’d like to believe that this theme in itself calls for a deeper look at our current socio-economic and political situation, rather than just being a tagline that rhymes.

It’s nearing the end of the second month of the New Year. This was a year that the country, arguably, entered into with varying levels of hesitancy about the political sphere, owed to that fateful December 21 and the No-Confidence vote. This second month is important because it facilitates a heightened sense of patriotism.

The No-Confidence motion placed in a spotlight on many of the wrongs that exist at the ‘power’ level of our country. But, aside from the grand scheme to overthrow the elected government of the day, there is the issue of dual citizenship.

There have been tumultuous periods during Guyana’s history. These periods have been characterised by fear and insecurity. Added to that, there is the pervasive brain drain phenomenon where people (much like myself, I have no shame in admitting) are drawn to the seemingly bountiful academic opportunities that are beyond these shores, and then stay where those opportunities manifest. These are two reasons I have been using to justify the concept of dual citizenship.
And truly, I often find myself being easily swayed into seeing the best possible reason for everything, but even so, as my representative- how can you feel my struggle and know my fears, if you have the ability to up and leave ”just suh”? Some of my parliamentarians can upturn the entire notion of democracy I have in my head, and just up and head to the other country they have pledged allegiance to. It’s crazy to think about.

I’m still trying to navigate my feelings on this matter of dual citizenship, but now I’ll add in Republic Day.
Now Guyana became a Republic on February 23, 1970- 49 years ago. During the very first year after the tumultuous 1960s decade, this country took the step to declare itself a Republic.
In the simplest of terms, being a Republic means that there is a constitution that governs and protects the inalienable rights of all people. It also means that we have an executive President as our Head-of-State.
Republic Day is better known as Mashramani, or just Mash, which in itself connotes a celebration after hard work.

So these are two ideologies to ponder: the concept of having something that always protects your rights, which is celebrated on a day that celebrates hard work.
In my mind, I see that there’s a nexus between the No-Confidence vote and the Mash happenings. What we are confronted with now, is that we are being forced to remember who we are as a people and what we do. For me, the day is a reminder that Guyana has always emerged out of the shambles it has been thrown in- and so much so that it calls for a celebration. Some might say that’s propaganda, but in the grand scheme of things, any step in the right direction is a reason for celebration.

Now that I’ve established my sentiments on dual citizenship, I beg the question- why not rely on this constitution to serve and protect you- like everyone else? And how can you truly celebrate your Guyanese-ness, and the struggles we overcome (and then celebrate) when you have allegiance to another state?
In my humble opinion, I think that the Republic Day/ Mashramani celebrations fit well into what the country is experiencing. We are confused, we are hesitant and we are awaiting solid and final answers about our country’s political future (which, by the way, affects our socio-economic future).

But importantly, what I think should be celebrated is that many wrongs have been exposed and we are now poised to correct these. And maybe we ought to let the full process take its course before making any pronouncements, but the fact remains that as a country (and as a people) we are more aware and we know what we ought to do in future. And for me- that’s a victory.