Photos and interviews by Dacia Whaul
Yesterday, we asked the man/woman in the street what they thought about Mashramani 2014 which was celebrated under the theme `Cultural Folklore, Celebrating 44’.
Their comments follow:
Jennifer Jun Wu from China: `It’s my first time to Guyana and I really like this city. The people are simple, the celebration is wonderful, and I am looking forward for future visits here. I hope that more and more Chinese people know about this and come experience this celebration. The Ministry of Education float I like a lot, it shows the culture.’
Ellie Price from England: `I have never seen anything like it (Mashramani). It’s like everyone is having a great big party. It’s really great to see this unity, because, I heard that there is a big division problem in Guyana. Today there was no sign of any kind of division. The float that I like, is the Ministry of Health, with their giant condom, that stood out for me.’
Abijah Cassou: `Well this year Mashramani was nice, everything was really nice. I haven’t seen any float I like as yet. So far there was nothing cultural, just the party trucks.’
Luckmin Ramchand: `It’s beautiful. Some of the floats are really nice. I like the Ministry of Labour so far, but I’m looking to see many more beautiful floats, and to enjoy myself as well.’
Bernard Gray:`I like the Ministry of Health, I learnt about the different diseases. I think that this year Mashramani floats improved and I am looking forward for next year’s Mashramani.’
Roy Arthur: Actually, the Ministry of Education was the best for me, it was the only one that enticed me. It represented what a float parade is supposed to look like, it represented the Mashramani theme. Years ago Republic Day embraced culture more, compared to today’.
Thomas Daniels:`So far, I am enjoying myself, but the floats passing very slowly. Nevertheless I am enjoying myself in between floats gyrating to the music. As for the float I like, it’s a hard choice, since I liked so much.’
Anthony John: `I really like Digicel and I hope they win the float parade. One thing I must say, is that they should bring out more floats. Mash done too quick.’
Devon: `This year Mashramani is alright thus far. I was hoping to see more floats this year, and from what I have seen so far, Digicel was the float I liked. I had better Republic days, but this one is nice too.’
Tandika Brathwaite from the United Kingdom: `From what I have seen so far, the Ministry of Health float was good. On the downside, I think the celebration ended too early. It need to be like an entire day of celebration. Another thing I thought of was the lack of diverse music, more music from the other Islands. I am glad they are pushing the local music, but for other nationals at the celebration, they might want to hear a song they know.’
Telisha Kirton: `Well, I like the Digicel Float. They had a genie theme and that stood out for me. The celebration was awesome and I am hoping for many more Republic days.’