–for ‘Mash 49’

GUYANA celebrated its 49th Republic Anniversary with a myriad of well-coordinated and well-executed activities organised by the Ministry of Cohesion – Culture, Youth and Sport.
The events saw the support of thousands of Guyanese who came out in their numbers to celebrate their culture, under the theme, ‘Celebrate Mash 49, With Victory in mind: Rediscovering Eldorado’.

At the flagraising ceremony held to usher in the golden day, persons descended on the D’Urban Park, and could be heard screaming at the top of their lungs their undying love for this beautiful land of ours.
And they were not to be disappointed, as they were well rewarded with a rich mix of cultural presentations, all depicting the wealth that Guyana possesses.

Dancers from the various dance schools, named their dances to portray various sectors of our country, such as ‘Black Gold’, in tribute to Guyana’s emerging oil-and gas industry; ‘Golden Treasures’, depicting turtle conservation in Region One; ‘Gems’ which celebrated the gold, diamond and bauxite industries of Regions Seven and Ten; ‘Food Basket’ – which celebrated the agricultural industries in Regions Two, Three, Five and Six; ‘Nation Building’ which recognised the hard work of Guyana’s labour force; ‘Majestic Beauty’, which celebrates the rich biodiversity of the Kaieteur National Park in Region Eight, among many other treasures.

Spectators were also treated to performances from local artistes such as the 2019 Soca and Chutney Monarchs, Brandon Harding and Steven Ramphal, respectively. While Diana Chapman and the National School of Music’s string band also gave outstanding performances that were well received by the people.

The highlight of the evening, however, was the uniformed march pass done by 400 ranks from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the National Cadets, National Coast Guards, among other members of the Disciplined Services.
The people stood and applauded the magnificent display of uniformity of the well-trained ranks of our country.

After the display, the Guard of Honour took his position to take the Presidential and Prime Ministerial salutes.
As President David Granger exited the vehicle and gave a brotherly pound to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, the crowd could scarce contain itself. Persons were heard screaming “We love our President. We love you David Granger.”

And more screams filled the Park as the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted, followed by a beautiful fireworks display.
The Central Mashramani Committee for 2019, organised all the events, in a way to revive Guyana’s Golden culture. For the first time, on the Calendar of activities, they included a folk night, where scores of people of all ages assembled on the tarmac of the National Cultural Centre engaging in Guyanese games, such as dog and the bone, saul out, hopscotch, Maypole, and many others.

The support continued well into ‘Mash Day’ proper, as people came out by the thousands, flooding the streets of Georgetown, and seats of D’Urban Park to watch the costume parade. Possibly one of the biggest crowd turnouts in recent history.
This year’s Mashramani Costume and Float Parade was complimented for being “colourful”, “educational” and “informative” by several patrons.

They were all seen with smiling faces, enjoying the colourful display.
President Granger said in his Mashramani greeting to the nation, “Everyone wins when the nation is united. Let us work together to ensure that our country remains secure, our economy is stable and that everyone is safe and could enjoy a good life. I extend greetings and best wishes to all Guyanese at home and in the diaspora on the occasion of our 49th Republic Anniversary. Happy Mashramani.”