Mashramani support criticism: “Our contribution is year-round” – PSC tells Culture Minister

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has taken a swipe at Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr over his recent criticism of businesses for their level of support for Mashramani. In a statement on Monday, the PSC said early planning, clear sponsorship opportunities, transparent use of funds and fair access for small vendors could help increase private sector participation in Mashramani.
“The private sector has consistently answered the call to contribute, and remain ready to do more. Our contribution is year-round. Our commitment is to Guyana,” the Commission said.
The statement comes days after Ramson criticised private sector companies for what he described as inadequate support for Mashramani over the past three years.
Speaking at the launch of the 2027 Mashramani calendar on October 21, Ramson said the private sector was not playing the role it should in developing the national festival and accused businesses of leaving Government to carry much of the financial burden.
He also said large companies were benefiting from the economic opportunities generated by Mashramani while failing to make sufficient investments in the festival.
The PSC, however, said the private sector’s commitment to Guyana “cannot fairly be measured by its sponsorship of any single event”.
The Commission pointed to several contributions made by businesses, including support for the Panorama Steel Band Competition in 2025 and 2026, as well as investments in education, youth development, enterprise development, community programmes and emergency relief.
Among the examples cited were a fully equipped 30-computer laboratory at Government Technical Institute (GTI) and support for the distribution of 150 school-ready backpacks to children in Kimbia, Moblissa and West Ruimveldt.
The PSC also highlighted private sector support for school football, cricket and inter-school competitions, as well as initiatives focused on small business development, financial management, marketing, student internships and opportunities for small businesses to showcase their products.
It further pointed to contributions to cancer-awareness activities, outreach to children’s homes and vulnerable families, and a US$50,000 partnership with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for adolescent mental health.
According to the PSC, businesses have also supported emergency responses, including the Civil Defence Commission (CDC)-led response to the James Street fire and relief efforts following the MV Barima tragedy. The Commission also said it worked with Government and relief agencies to assist Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.
“These are examples of a much wider record of service, delivered both in partnership with Government and independently,” the PSC said.

Mutual respect & transparent arrangements
It stressed that smaller businesses supporting neighbourhood activities and local teams were also part of that record, adding that a contribution did not become less valuable because it was made quietly or outside a Government-led programme.
The Commission also pushed back against any suggestion that businesses should be expected to support a particular event, saying companies must remain free to direct voluntary support according to their resources, existing commitments and community priorities.
“Businesses must remain free to direct voluntary support according to their resources, existing commitments and community priorities,” it said, adding that the treatment of businesses by public authorities “should never depend on whether they sponsor a particular event”.
The PSC called for mutual respect and transparent arrangements as the basis for lasting partnerships.
It also renewed a proposal made in its submissions for the 2026 National Budget for stronger tax incentives for charitable donations and corporate social responsibility, including tax credits for contributions to approved public-benefit organisations.
The Commission said such incentives could encourage continued private sector support for education, culture, sport, community development and environmental initiatives. While maintaining its position, the PSC said it remained willing to work with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Ministry of Finance and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to strengthen support for Mashramani and community investment.
“Early planning, clear sponsorship opportunities, transparent use of funds and fair access for small vendors can help turn that shared commitment into greater participation,” the PSC said.
“We look forward to a partnership that builds on that record and enables us to achieve more together.”
Ramson had said Government invested more than $200 million in the bands last year as part of efforts to improve Mashramani. He also said Government intended to continue developing the festival as an international cultural event and create greater opportunities for Guyanese performers and cultural practitioners.