THE spirit of Mashramani came alive at the Anna Regina Secondary School on Wednesday as students from across Region Two gathered for Day One of the Children’s Regional Mashramani Competition under the inspiring theme, “Little Builders of One Guyana – Learning Together, Shaping a Digital Tomorrow.”
The auditorium buzzed with excitement from as early as 10:00 hrs. as proud teachers, parents, and supporters filled the venue to witness the region’s young talents take centre stage in Dramatic Poetry and Calypso.
The programme commenced with a Call to Order by Ms. Cheryl Peters Moore, followed by a Silent Prayer and the recitation of the National Pledge by all present. The atmosphere was one of unity and anticipation as Ms. Shondelle Hercules, Regional Education Officer, delivered the Welcome and Opening Remarks, reminding students that Mashramani is not only a celebration of Guyana’s Republic status, but also a platform for young minds to express creativity, culture, and national pride.
The competition began with Dramatic Poetry for ages 5 to 7, featuring charming and confident performances from Hampton Court Primary, Queenstown Primary, and Mainstay Lake Primary. Though small in stature, these children delivered powerful lines with clarity and expression, captivating the audience.
The energy shifted into rhythm and melody with the Calypso segment for ages 5 to 7, where pupils from Dredge Creek Primary and Mainstay Lake Primary sang their hearts out, delivering witty and meaningful calypsos that reflected the theme of unity and progress.
The 8 to 10 years Dramatic Poetry category saw an impressive lineup from schools across the region, including Aurora Primary, Onderneeming Primary, Mashabo Primary, the Exceptional Learners Centre, Taymonth Manor Primary, 8th of May Primary, Riverstown Primary, Martindale Primary, Lima Sands Primary, Sparta Primary, C.V. Nunes Primary, Hampton Court Primary, Mainstay Lake Primary, and Huis’t Dieren Primary.
Each performance reflected hours of preparation, as pupils confidently used voice, gestures, and emotion to bring their poems to life. Themes of national unity, technology, learning, and cultural pride were beautifully woven into their presentations.
The Calypso 8 to 10 years category followed, with 8th of May Primary, St. John’s Primary, Charity Primary, Queenstown Primary, Mainstay Lake Primary, and C.V. Nunes Primary delivering vibrant and entertaining performances that had the audience clapping along.
The older students continued to raise the bar in the 11 to 13 years Dramatic Poetry segment, with entries from Abram Zuil Secondary, Lima Sands Primary, Mainstay Lake Primary, Johanna Cecelia Secondary, Anna Regina Secondary, and Wakapoa Secondary. Their presentations showed maturity, confidence, and a deep understanding of the competition’s theme.
In the Calypso 11 to 13 years, Abram Zuil Secondary and St. John’s Primary used music to creatively express messages of togetherness and the role of youth in shaping Guyana’s future.
The day culminated with outstanding performances from the 14 to 17 years category. Students from Abram Zuil Secondary, Aurora Secondary, 8th of May Secondary, Cotton Field Secondary, and Anna Regina Secondary delivered dramatic poetry pieces that were both thought-provoking and inspiring.
The final Calypso segment featured Anna Regina Secondary, Aurora Secondary, Abram Zuil Secondary, Essequibo Technical Institute, and Wakapoa Secondary, closing the day with rhythm, humour, and powerful social commentary.
Chairpersons Ms. Munirah Reedon, Ms. Evadne Spencer, and Ms. Cheryl Peters Moore ensured the programme flowed smoothly, while teachers and parents beamed with pride at the confidence displayed by the region’s young performers.
Mashramani 2026 in Region Two has begun on a high note, celebrating not only talent, but unity, culture, and the boundless potential of Guyana’s youth.
