VISITORS arriving in Guyana were yesterday treated to a ‘Mashramani welcome’ at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, East Bank Demerara.
The welcoming included a glimpse of colourful and creative costumes by Banks DIH Limited and the distribution of the Golden Arrowhead and plantain chips to offer a taste of this country, through a collaborative effort of Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, management of CJIA and Banks DIH Limited.
Representatives of the collaborators were on hand to greet the more than 100 passengers who arrived around 09:25 h on Caribbean Airlines flight CA 425 from JFK International Airport in New York in the United States and Trinidad.
Speaking to the media, GTA Director, Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh said the entities partnered to, basically, welcome the arrivals on this very special occasion as the nation celebrates its 40th Republican Anniversary.
He said Mashramani, in essence, brings out the pride, passion and patriotism of every Guyanese and more than 100,000 people are expected to line the streets of the parade routes today to watch passing floats.
“And I want also to encourage and invite everyone to come out. If you have never come out to watch the parade, come out,” Haralsingh exhorted.
He noted that Mashramani also heralds in the peak season for activities, events and tourism in this country, because, just after those celebrations, will be Holi, the Hindu festival of colours, followed by the Easter programme that includes such as Rupununi Rodeo, Bartica Regatta, motor and horse racing.
Haralsingh said a number of foreign artistes are here performing at various venues for Mash, which, this year, is very organised, bigger and better, with more bands on board and the level and quality of the costumes dramatically improved.
“So we are seeing very good responses from both the public and private sectors in celebrating Mashramani,” he observed, reiterating that it is truly a time to celebrate because of the hard work and that has achieved much as a nation.

Enough reason
“…there is enough reason and cause for celebration and for jubilation,” Haralsingh maintained, encouraging persons to travel in their homeland and discover what it has to offer.
“Don’t just dream it, see it,” he urged.
Haralsingh said: “We are ahead of many other countries where nothing of this kind or nature happens at the frontline. So we want, at this time, too, for our visitors to feel special as they enter Guyana.”
He said that the Ministry and GTA would be participating in the small bands category of the queen costume competition, portraying this country’s heritage and cultural diversity with a contingent of at least 40 persons.
Haralsingh said Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad, who, unfortunately, could not have been at the airport, extends happy 40th Republic Anniversary and Mashramani greetings to all Guyanese and others visiting at this special time.
One of the visitors, Mr. Amir Khan, of Guyanese parents, who came from New York appreciated the way in which they were welcomed.
He said it will be his first time participating in Mashramani festivities after visiting for many years.
Another traveller, Mr. Larry Pile, from New Jersey, where he has been living for the last 20 years, said of the reception: “It was gorgeous. I mean was very warm.”
Similar sentiments were expressed by fellow Guyanese, Mrs. Margaret Gaskil who said: “I think it is great that they were here to welcome and get us into the spirit of the celebrations for tomorrow (today) and remind us of our culture.”
Now residing in Washington D.C, also in the U. S., she is vacationing with her husband, Stephen, after going to the Trinidad Carnival.
Having lived in the U.S. for some 30 years, she said she will definitely be celebrating Mashramani.