The Culture ministry says it intends to include more choreographed dancing among the Mashramani revellers and special attention will be paid to crowd control while en route to the National Park.
The Government Informa-tion Agency (GINA) quoted Minister Dr Frank Anthony as saying that though his ministry is exploring choreographed dancing the results will depend on the participants’ response. However, he said “A special prize will be earmarked for contingents who demonstrate admirable choreographed performances in an effort to effectively promote this aspect of Mashramani.”
“Crowd control is a big issue and something we are looking at. We do not have a definitive solution to it since it requires collaboration with several agencies. The route itself is often disregarded by onlookers,” Anthony noted. GINA said past Republic Day celebrations were reviewed and recommendations made about the rules for judging and the training of judges. The suggestions were considered and will be implemented this year.
A special public regional art competition will also be hosted in this year’s celebrations and the parade will include baton-twirlers and international revellers. The ministry also intends to continue the special segment of the calypso competition on HIV/AIDS which was first introduced in 2007 through collaboration with the National AIDS Programme Secretariat.
Meanwhile, the Mashramani planning committee, which includes various stakeholders, is moving apace with its preparations. An outline of activities in all regions has already been formulated. Anthony is optimistic that with improved promotions and planning Mashramani can be developed into a multimillion dollar industry.
This year’s celebrations will be held under the theme ‘Let us unite and celebrate in 2008.’
