Mashramani “Krank Up” hosted in Linden

As a prelude to this year’s Mashramani celebrations, the Ministry of the Presidency, Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport Department on Friday hosted Mashramani “Krank Up” in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). The event which featured live performances by steel bands and calypsonians was aimed at setting the tone for Mashramani observances this year.
Hosted at the Linden/Georgetown minibus park, Social Cohesion Ministry, George Norton in an invited comment said that the event is a way of letting people know that the celebrations will be “stronger and better” this year.
“The Mashramani celebrations is going to be strong and better than the years before. We’re here to have a preview of what is going to take place… the whole idea is to let people know that the spirit of Mashramani is alive and kicking,” the Minister said. With Linden being the birthplace of the celebration, Minister Norton said he made a promise to residents to speak with organisers of the floats in Georgetown to have them travel to Linden to be a part of the community’s Mashramani float parade. The community usually hosts its float parade one week after the national parade in Georgetown. Minister Norton said it is his hope that with this input, more floats will be available in Linden during the occasion.
“The residents asked if we can try to convince the floats to come to Linden and I promised them that I would do anything possible to encourage the floats that participate in Georgetown to come to Linden so that Linden could have a bigger ‘Mash’ than before…but that is not to discourage the Lindeners from having their own floats and putting out their own thing,” he said. Prior to the event, the Minister also facilitated a meet and greet with residents at the Mackenzie Market Square.