Plans for Mashramani 2013 include less congestion on the parade route, a situation which has been a huge bugbear perhaps for as long as there has been a Mashramani Float Parade.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Lennox Canterbury of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport’s Mash Secretariat, said the police have promised to deploy officers along Church and Irving streets—the parade route—which are normally congested by spectators. Noting that this puts a strain on revellers, who have to sometimes stop at points, he said officers will barricade the area for a smooth flow and to maintain order.
Minister Dr Frank Anthony said that this year’s events will see numerous reforms in masquerade, steel pan and the arts.
At least 30 bands are expected on the roadways on February 23, including the private sector, government ministries, and non-governmental organisations.
Bands will assemble at Church and Camp streets, head up Church Street, turn left into Irving Street, left on JB Chandisingh Road, west on Thomas Lands and enter the National Park through the eastern gate.
Anthony said the Mayor and City Council is in charge of the preparations (cleaning) to make sure the city is ready. Persons were seen cutting grass along Irving Street and cleaning the drains along Church Street.
Anthony said he had already visited the Banks DIH mash camp and intended to make more tours to the different participating bands to have a first-hand look.
Events Manager, Gavin Hope said that Digicel (Guyana) is expecting more than 300 persons “ready for the road” on February 23 with costumes designed by Olympia Small-Sonaram.
Meanwhile, Nadine Hing from Guyenterprise said that this year’s ‘Bright-up Guyana’ competition was seeking to incorporate a new dimension. The agency is encouraging every home and business in Guyana to fly a flag to commemorate the 46th republic anniversary.
A concert for the elderly which is scheduled for March spearheaded by Alan Fenty will see a number of performers re-enacting folklore traditions.
Public Relations Officer of Ansa McAl, Darshanie Yussuf noted that the first leg of the Carib Soca Monarch saw a big turnout of Lindeners. She said the company has also planned to have a show called ‘Stage’, which will see an international artiste performing live.
Chutney/Soca Monarch Roger ‘Young Bill Rogers’ Hinds, who is back from representing Guyana at the international completion in Trinidad and Tobago also spoke. Though he did not make it to the final 10, he said that the competition was a learning experience for him.
Meantime, it was noted that the Children’s Mashramani competition is sponsored fully by GT&T with the help of the Guyana Bank of Trade and Industry (GBTI), which has donated 114 trophies. With regard to the children, there is an essay completion and an art competition the prizes for which include Kindles, laptops, gift vouchers and cash.
Republic Bank’s Panorama steel pan competition will start February 14 with the finals on February 17 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
