Dear Editor,
I felt extremely proud as a Guyanese to participate in one of the most colourful celebrations in Region 2 during our 47th Republican Anniversary. The Regional Administration therefore must be commended for organizing and executing an impressive programme of events, including an unforgettable cultural evening on the eve of Mash. The display of local talent that evening was awesome, and it was diverse in its representation capturing the imagination of an appreciative audience including Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix, the Regional Chairman, the Regional Vice-Chairman, the Regional Executive Officer and other special guests.
I could sense the excitement among the crowd after listening to the renditions of calypsos and poetry, while the dancers’ performance was exceptional. Encouragingly the artistes were drawn from schools, formal dance groups and private individuals, who offered to participate. The programme was held for the first time at the Anna Regina car park next to the statue of Damon, where the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted at the stroke of midnight. It was a touching moment as the Joint Services smartly paraded in the square and when the hour arrived the Golden Arrowhead was raised as the Minister and other officials took the salute.
It was quite a large gathering, not seen at such an occasion for almost a decade. In fact in previous years, the national flag was hoisted in the compound of the adjoining Anna Regina Fire Station on the morning of Mash Day during a simple ceremony. This year was quite different and Essequibians should be proud of their participation.
Mash Day itself was quite the spectacle too, as thousands of cheerful residents lined the streets and public road to view the passing costume bands. This time the parade began from the northern end of the Essequibo Coast for the first time, commencing at Coffee Grove and ending at the Anna Regina Car Park. Several entities from the private sector and the Regional Administration were in the parade, and their members in beautiful costumes gyrated to the sounds of local and international music. I was very impressed with the smooth coordination and the professional manner in which the Police Force conducted the traffic as well as controlled the large crowd which gathered at the square. Once the floats had entered the park, the scenes became quite jubilant, and this ebbed and flowed well into the sunset.
Yours faithfully,
Elroy Stephney
