MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, yesterday made an appeal for Guyanese to become more involved in the celebrations of the country’s 40th Republic Anniversary, which is being celebrated this year under the theme “Embracing our Diversity, Celebrating our Heritage.”

The Minister was at the time speaking at a press conference held at the Ministry’s boardroom, to update the media on preparations that are being made for the event.

From left: Convener of the Chutney Competition, Neaz Subhan; Head of Sales and Marketing, Banks DIH, Carlton João; Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Alfred King; and Head of the Mash Secretariat, Lennox Canterbury at the press conference at the Ministry’s boardroom yesterday.

Minister Anthony said all the preparations are coming on stream as was envisaged. He noted that the Central Mashramani Committee has been working extremely hard to co-ordinate the activities of the sub-committees. “We have made substantial progress over the last week,” he said.

Regional Mash Committees have also been established in every region. These Committees are responsible for the planning of Mash events within their regions.

The Ministry in collaboration with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Company and the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) carried out inspections along the parade route to ensure that there are no impediments to hinder the movement of the floats.

A special safety and security committee that comprises members of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and other organisations was established. This committee has been making recommendations to the Central Committee on measures that should be incorporated to ensure that the parade is held in a secure environment.

In keeping with the spirit of the festival, Minister Anthony disclosed that the Committee received a proposal from a private company in relation to the decoration of the parade route. This proposal involves a number of other companies and organisations. He said that the Central Committee is in the process of considering the said proposal and if accepted, the company will be given the green light to implement it.

A special appeal was also made to owners of homes and other commercial buildings along the route to decorate their buildings in commemoration of the event. “We want people to participate, Mash is not just about this Ministry putting things together, it requires the involvement of thousands of people. The more people that come out to participate, the better the parade would be,” the Minister said.

Minister Anthony called on persons who have given verbal commitments to start registering so that the Committee can be able to effectively plan its activities. Companies and other organisations are asked to uplift their registration forms as early as possible. The Committee has established the week before the event as a closing date for registration.

A target was set for 40 floats and so far 30 organisations including several religious groups, social service organisations, government bodies, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), have given indication of their participation.

With respect to the competitions, calypso rehearsals have started at the Carifesta Sports Complex. The semi-final is set to be held at the Blairmont Community Centre Ground on February 13, where 25 persons will be participating at that event. There also will be the HIV song competition, which finals will be held at Thirst Park.

Minister Anthony emphasised that while the events will be competitive, efforts are made to ensure that they are enjoyable as well.

This year, the junior calypso competition has the participation of 12 contestants. The Culture Ministry is partnering with the Ministry of Education’s Allied Arts Department. This collaboration will see the participation of a number of children at the competitions taking part in dances, dramatic performances and poetry among other activities, in addition to the calypso competition.

An entrance fee will be charged at this competition, which will be held at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) and the proceeds will go towards the efforts being made by the National Committee for Haiti Relief.

“This would be children performing for children and donating to a generous cause, it’s a good gesture when children can be mobilised to give to such a good cause,” the Minister said.

The masquerade competition, which will be a one-off competition, will be held at the National Park. The Steel Band Competition, sponsored by Republic Bank, will be held on February 14. The categories of this event include; Solo-Junior, Solo-Senior, Small Bands (minimum of 10 players) and School Bands.

Additionally, after the competition, the Ministry will be working closely with Republic Bank to hold various workshops; one of which will be a pan tuner workshop. The Minister said this is all part of an ongoing development programme to enhance steel band music.

School competitions which will consist of dances, poetry, dramatic pieces and physical displays will be held from February 16-19. The children’s parade will be held on February 20.

The Minister said a special prize will be awarded to the
building that is using renewable source of energy, in keeping with Guyana’s direction of a low carbon pathway.

Efforts are also being made to organize a parapet competition in collaboration with the City Council and a Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) competition as was held last year.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Alfred King highlighted that the celebrations also have to reflect patriotism. He also stressed on the importance of getting the City Council’s involvement in the celebrations.

King disclosed that the Culture Ministry which is tasked with coordinating the activities will also have a large contingent of about 300 persons. They will also be making their own costumes, reflecting a low carbon theme.

Convener of the chutney competition, Neaz Subhan disclosed that the auditions concluded last week and 15 contestants were short listed. The finals will be held on February 19 at the Albion Community Center Ground.

Loaknauth Singh from King’s Jewelry World, has facilitated the request to assist in mentoring the 15 contestants. Subhan said that they have incorporated some new ideas in an effort to re-invigorate chutney.

He said that interventions are being made to give overseas artistes a chance to participate in the competition. Their participation, he said, will help to motivate the local singers to raise their standards. Three overseas contestants are expected to be part of the competition.

The service of a leading Trinidadian artiste, Rishi Guyadeen was sought also in an effort to assist the singers, as five of them are very young and could benefit from such expertise. The services of this artiste will be available from February 8-10.

Apart from the chutney competition, there will be a Curry Festival that will cater for meat and vegetables. Five entries have been received thus far.

Head of Sales and Marketing of Banks DIH, Carlton João, in sharing some of the company’s plans for the celebrations, said that Banks has a significant history in being part of Guyanese celebrations. This year, the Banks mash camp will be celebrating under the theme “Our country, our life, our beer.”

João said that their band will have all the major attributes of the festivity including fully costumed revellers. He added that attempts are being made to keep the music as local as possible. They are currently working with Kross Kolor Studios to get some of their members onboard the Banks camp.