Mashramani 2019 showcases cultural diversity

“It’s an excellent day celebrating our 49th Republic anniversary. Our country is celebrating under some difficult circumstances where we have issues of upholding the Constitution so while we’re celebrating, we have to reflect on our challenges also.”
– PPP presidential candidate

By Rupa Seenaraine

Sparkles, feathers and fantasy of colours personified Guyana’s 2019 annual Mashramani costume parade throughout Georgetown, in commemoration of the nation’s 49th Republic Day celebrations.
Notwithstanding a late start during the morning hours which delayed some of the floats, spectators trickled in by the thousands during the midday period, as they embraced blaring soca renditions, energetic revellers and intricately decorated costumes.

As customary, the traditions continued with whimsical masquerade dancers and steel pan, which defines the unique Guyanese culture. Moreover, it is one which the young and old look forward to during this season.
In neat rows, the roisterers dusted their bodies and hair with glitter as they amused the crowd with choreographed dances, also in a bid to wow the judges and steal the winning prizes. Some of the criteria judged included safety, uniformity, display, clarity, craftsmanship and originality. Designers stood proudly in front of the floats, ready to answer any questions about the pieces and justifying why it was the best among the others.
The procession emerged from the beginning of Carifesta Avenue, where Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton led the parade with his band, designed by Neilson Nurse and consisting of over 300 persons. Each was bedecked with a different colour of the Golden Arrowhead – our national flag – to endorse Guyana’s diversity.
Speaking briefly with this publication, Norton encouraged all to get on board with the activities and posited that the event was going as planned.
Dressed in an eye-catching shimmery headdress, the Minister said, “Everything is going fine. It’s going good and I’m enjoying myself. I want everybody to come out and enjoy themselves too.”
The Public Health Ministry’s convoy followed and showcased a heart in their centrepiece float with revellers dressed as medical practitioners to promote the theme “Accessing Healthcare for All”. The band featured a live performance by the recently crowned Soca Monarch, Brandon Harding, who stole the crowd with some of his old and new hits.
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) were decked out in the signature red, black and yellow costumes and led by Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali; Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo; Member of Parliament Priya Manickchand and former Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds.
The presidential candidate expressed, “It’s an excellent day celebrating our 49th republic anniversary. Our country is celebrating under some difficult circumstances where we have issues of upholding the constitution so while we’re celebrating, we have to reflect on our challenges also.”
He added, “This is a national event. It’s an event that is for all Guyanese and we’re out here to demonstrate to the Guyanese people that we believe in national unity and respect our national events.”
Adding to that, Manickchand stated, “It is our Mashramani and it is something to celebrate nationally. I’m happy to be here on the road and people are enjoying it.”