Colour, culture, “One Guyana” vision ignite GT as Guyana celebrates 56th Republic in Mashramani spectacle

By LaWanda McAllister

With bursts of colour, pulsating music and a sea of revellers lining the streets, Guyana on Monday marked its 56th Republic Anniversary in grand Mashramani style, as ministries, bands and citizens from across the country and diaspora came together in celebration of unity, culture and progress.

This year’s Mashramani parade was both a display of costumes and creativity, as well as a reminder of how far the nation has come, and the collective vision for where it is headed. Among the standout participants was the Home Affairs Ministry, whose float carried a strong message of national collaboration.
Home Affairs Minister, Oniedge Walrond, explained to Guyana Times that their presentation focused on transformation within the security sector while underscoring shared responsibility.
“Yes, our float is about the modernization of the security sector, but more importantly it is how security is everybody’s business,” the Minister said. “So we’re talking about unity, love and partnership so that every citizen can feel secure in their communities, because when we work together in partnership and unity, security becomes very easy.”
With confidence radiating from the ministry’s camp, the minister added with a smile, “Let’s just say I’ve seen some of the competition and Home Affairs got this.”
The Natural Resources Ministry also turned heads with a striking replica of the One Guyana Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel mounted on its float, a nod to the country’s burgeoning oil and gas industry.
Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat, used the opportunity to reflect on the deeper meaning of the celebration.
“First of all, let me say happy Mashramani to all Guyanese. It’s a good time to reflect on the sacrifices, reflect on the struggles of our ancestors, our foreparents who would have struggled so that today we can enjoy a true democratic Guyana,” he said.
Explaining the concept behind the float, he noted that many Guyanese have never seen the offshore operations up close.
“We have a replica of the One Guyana FPSO. We thought that it would be a good idea for people to see what an FPSO looks like because most of the operation is being done offshore, and it’s difficult for Guyanese brothers and sisters to see that.”
He highlighted that the name “One Guyana FPSO” was carefully chosen by His Excellency President Ali, noting that the President’s vision is rooted in unity and shared prosperity.
“One Guyana speaks to unity and prosperity for all Guyanese,” the minister said, adding that as the nation celebrates 56 years as a Republic, it is a reminder that Guyana is “truly a free democratic society and our people can live peacefully and in unity together.”
In that light, for many, Mashramani 2026 was a homecoming. Carol Chesney, who returned after more than three decades abroad, could barely contain her excitement when this publication spoke with her on Monday.

Sense of togetherness, homecoming
“I’m so happy to be here, Brooklyn, New York, represented after 35 years! Oh my God, I’m having a wonderful time,” she exclaimed, surrounded by family members visiting from overseas and those who remained at home.
“We’re having a blast today,” she added, smiling as dancers passed by.
However, while enjoying the atmosphere, Chesney expressed hope for even more culturally driven displays.
“They used to represent different organizations and show what Guyana is all about. That’s what we need to see. We need to see more about Guyana, we need to see floats showing that, the progress,” she said.

Traveling from Linden, Shulane Barker welcomed the good weather and the effort being made by participating bands.
“I must say, first, the weather is good. And the bands that I only saw, like three bands so far, they’re trying,” Barker shared.
Still, she reflected nostalgically on the Mashramani celebrations of years past.
“The Mashramani that I knew from back then, we used to have thousands of people on the streets. So, it’s just time. Things will get better,” she said optimistically.
For Campbellville, Georgetown resident Pat December, this year’s celebration marked noticeable growth.
“I’m enjoying it, it’s immense, it’s bigger, better this year,” December said, rating the event as “excellent, excellent so far.”

What stood out most to her was the sense of togetherness.
“I’m liking the camaraderie of all the races coming together. As we project One Guyana, it must be for all the six races, coming together to celebrate in unity.”
Veteran designer Charles Springer, who has been involved in Mashramani since its inception and has designed for National Joint Services, NIS, GEC, Guyana Airways Corporation, BIPCO, and others, returned after three years away.
“I was designing since Mashramani started,” he said, noting that he also contributed to CARIFESTA and continues to design for major Labour Day celebrations in New York and upcoming events in Miami.
Viewing the parade through a seasoned lens, Springer offered candid feedback.
“It’s not too bad, but to me there is too much clothes. Right now, it is too hot for the amount of clothes they are wearing,” he remarked, suggesting that costume practicality remains key in Guyana’s tropical heat.
As steelpan rhythms echoed and revellers danced beneath the afternoon sun, Mashramani 2026 proved once again that the festival is more than pageantry. It is a living expression of national identity, shaped by history, strengthened by diversity, and driven by a shared vision of unity.
And as one reveller aptly summed up while music blared and flags waved, “We’re having a blast today.”