Despite calls for Berbice Mash to be on Republic Day, Berbicians came out to participate in what is traditionally dubbed the ‘people’s Mash’ on Sunday in New Amsterdam.
Traditionally, the activity is held one week after the main celebration in the capital city, Georgetown.
The parade, which kicked off from Marks Bridge, initially saw only revellers participating, but as it moved through the streets, Berbicians joined in, making it the ‘people’s Mash fest’ of the year.
Fast-food stalls, bar-b-que grills, bouncy castles and game booths sprung up along the route
Several of the floats which were on the road in Georgetown on Republic Day were displayed in the region’s capital town.
Among them were the Office of the President along with the Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry. They were joined by the Regional Democratic Council of Region Six, the Guyana Police Force B Division, University of Guyana Berbice Campus, APNU/AFC coalition, ANSA McAl, Banks DIH, and Homeline Furnishing among others.
The largest contingent in terms of supporters was that of the Guyana Police Force but it was by far outnumbered by the revellers following the beverage companies and Caribbean Group for which the road seemed too narrow to hold them.
The scene was a sea of colour that embraced the carnival atmosphere. The bands on the road that were strategically placed and those on trucks provided more than adequate music for the revellers
The police were out in their numbers too, along with motorcycle patrols that sought to preserve law and order along the Mash route.
