A Republic Lecture Series is among the new activities on the Mashramani calendar that is intended counter criticisms that government-planned events for the national celebrations are too “wine-up” focused, according to Culture Minister Dr Frank Anthony.
According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), Anthony on Monday told reporters that this year’s celebrations also entail hosting a Folk Evening to highlight and promote Guyanese folk culture and its legacy. A Folk Concert is also set for the National Cultural Centre on February 12.
Mash 2012 was launched on October 15, under the theme, ‘Mashin’ with Pride, Keepin’ We Traditions Alive.’
The traditional features of the celebration such as the main singing competitions—Chutney, Adult Calypso, Carib Soca Monarch and the Junior Calypso and Health Song—will be held. Rehearsals for the adult contest started on Monday, while the semi-finals and finals are set for February 11 and February 17, respectively.
GINA said over the years this competition has seen an increase in the quality of music and competitors, which have been attributed to investments that the ministry has made in promoting and organizing it.
In addition, for the first time the top three winners of the Chutney Competition will be competing as finalists in the Annual Chutney Competition in Trinidad and Tobago, which forms part of their Carnival Celebration.
This feature has been added to the local celebrations in order to motivate participants and elevate the level of the competition. GINA said the Chutney Finals will be held earlier than usual, on January 20, to facilitate the top three winners’ preparation for the T&T contest.
The Carib Soca Monarch has also been put back on the agenda this year after a one-year hiatus. According to Anthony, the ministry is also working with masquerade bands to realize a Mash Masquerade Band Competition and if that is not possible, to have them participate on February 23 in the Costume and Float Parade.
The Steel Band Competition will feature six categories this year—large, church and school—and, in the solo type—pan, senior and junior. Participants will be competing for a total of $3M in cash and prizes.
The money collected as admission fees to these events will be used to purchase a steel pan for a small community, GINA said.
It also said that these activities are all aimed at resuscitating the art form in Guyana. Banks DIH Limited, which sponsors the event, is also collaborating with the ministry to develop it.
Other events planned for the national celebration includes an Art and Essay Competition for children, the Police Band Stand Competition for the Elderly set for February 12 and the Bright-Up Competition for the general public. The ministry expects more than 30 floats in the Mash Day float parade. To date, 25 companies have indicated their interest in becoming involved. Meanwhile, the Annual Flag Raising Ceremony will be held at the Public Buildings on February 23. A similar ceremony will be held in all ten regions.
