– as ‘Agri’ Ministry takes revellers ‘From farm to fork’ this ‘Mash’

THE Ministry of Agriculture was in a decidedly festive mood late Monday, judging from the richness of the costumes on display, as they launched their Mash 2019 costume band.

Presented under the theme, ‘From farm to fork: grow more, add value’, designer Jermaine Broomes, did a great job of explaining his use of the bright gold and green costumes, to depict the sugarcane and rice aspect of the ministry, much to the delight of Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder, who briefly remarked on the creativity that went into making the costumes.

According to the minister, the costume band will be representing sustainable, productive, climate-resilient and diversified agriculture, while the main costume will depict major export crops and the importance of our ever-blossoming agro-processing industry.

Minister Holder noted with some amusement that the band’s float is deliberately being kept under wraps for ‘the big reveal’ later.

He reminded of the unique “Guyaneseness” of Mashramani, a celebration observed by persons of all ages and ethnicities, even as he encouraged staff and members of the public to join the parade on Mash Day.

The launching saw live performances from artistes, the likes of Jumo Primo and Calvin Burnette, who gave the crowd a taste of what to expect from the band, come Saturday, when it hits the road.

The king and queen aspect of the band will be launched tomorrow at the Durban Park. (DPI)