THE streets of Port Kaituma came on Saturday when the Department of Social Cohesion took a jumpstart to the Mashramani 2020 celebrations to the Barima-Waini region.
A Mash “pop-up” concert, featuring local and regional music, attracted hundreds of residents from Port Kaituma and the surrounding villages to the community ground. The audience was serenaded with Soca and Chutney performances from local artistes, Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts, Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo, Chutney King– Stephen Ramphall, Brandon Harding and Chutney Queen– Vanita Willie.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, who was active in Friday night’s celebrations, said he was excited about the event spreading throughout Guyana. He noted that the concert is one of a series of similar activities so far being held in Bartica, Linden and Georgetown.

Mashramani Coordinator, Andrew Tyndall, explained that the festival is an integral part of Guyanese history, therefore, the Department of Social Cohesion decided to “bring Mash to several regions” so that residents on the coast and in the hinterland can equally participate in the rich culture associated with the festival. These activities also serve to usher in the 2020 Mashramani theme “Guyana Together: Reflect, Celebrate, Transform”.

The country will also be observing its Golden Jubilee Anniversary, in the new year, celebrating fifty years as a Republic Nation. Pre- Mashramani celebrations continue on Monday, December 30 in Charity, Region Two.