Lindeners observe Mashramani 2018 with grandeur

By Utamu Bell

The celebration of Mashramani returned to its birthplace on Sunday, and hundreds took to the streets of Linden to be imbued with the excitement of the annual costume and float parade.
Heavy downpours which threatened to dampen the carnival atmosphere could not deter Lindeners from witnessing the floats and participating in the revelry.
The procession, consisting of approximately 4 floats, made its way from across the Mackenzie shore to Wismar, where it culminated at the Bayroc Community Centre Ground.
Some of the costumes which formed part of the procession included the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) Democratic Council (RDC) and the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LMTC).
ANSA McAL Stag trucks and Banks DIH party trucks kept the atmosphere alive with the sounds of soca and chutney music which penetrated the atmosphere as the revellers pranced through the streets.
As is customary, onlookers lined the streets to get a glimpse of the live spectacle. Food, fete and frolic were what formed the ambience at the Bayroc Community Centre Ground in the true spirit of Mashramani, as Lindeners took time out to socialize with each other.
But despite this, many Lindeners note that the observance, which started 48 years ago in the community, continues to leave much to be desired.
Speaking after the float parade, Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland noted that there was a greater turnout along the route last year, but he blamed it on the weather.
“I know last year, along the route, there was a lot more people along the road”, he remarked.
He, nevertheless, noted that he was grateful for the turnout. Holland called for greater unity in the spirit of Mashramani, as he made calls for a thousand strong to participate in the observances next year.
There were also mixed reactions among Lindeners who witnessed Sunday’s event. “I think as the years go by, it’s progressing, but I think we need to look at a different angle to get more people out. (I think they should) Go into the different communities and maybe pool some money into those communities and let them portray banners and maybe you would have more people participating, and it would be a better festival, from what I see.
“I think Linden, as the birthplace for Mashramani, I think the Government needs to invest in more floats for Linden. Even after they are finished in town, maybe that would help our community develop and increase the participation”, an onlooker told <<Guyana Times>>.
Onlooker Odetta Fraser also shared similar sentiments. “I think we needed more costumes and more floats. Yes, it got the support, but we need to be more uniform. We got the support; it’s big, but we need to come bigger and better next year. I think we can do it”, she said.
Denisia Chapman noted that while the celebration was grand this year, it could’ve been better. “I think this year was better than last year and they had a good turnout, but it could’ve been better”, she said.
Mashramani celebrations began in Linden by the Jaycees Committee 48 years ago, but eventually moved to Georgetown. The observance is usually held in Linden a week after the celebration in the capital city.