Forty-nine years ago, Guyana became a Republic and Mashramani was born. In the time since we gained our republican status, we have made more than 49 missteps along the way; some of our people have not used their power, while others have misused it. We would have also made more than 49 advancements as a nation, yet still we hang on a precipice of hope overshadowed by uncertainties and unity overshadowed by division as we wait to be whole.
Mashramani is an Indigenous Arawak word, which means “celebration after hard work.” Every 12 months we come together in this carnival of colour to celebrate and, most importantly, to remind ourselves that we are the power and should be marching towards common goals. But are many of us really reminded? Some believe that the essence of Mashramani has been lost along the way; others believe that efforts have been made to rediscover its true meaning. Some frown at the partying, imbibing and gyrating that are just one aspect of Mashramani and which they believe add nothing to advancing the nation. But is there any value in these expressions? Certainly, it may serve to uplift the morale of the people who are often downtrodden because after 49 years we are still struggling to create a good life for all of us, still struggling to define our Guyanese identity as our fading culture is replaced with mediocre facsimiles of others, and also still struggling to achieve national unity.
But while many may be appalled by what they consider the vulgarity of some revellers today, many of the same people sitting in the seats of judgment are not appalled that for 49 years we have not quite devised a course to benefit all Guyanese. We are a nation steeped in dysfunction and Mashramani is far from any great threat to our nation’s stability. What is a threat is our silence on issues of national security. What is a threat is our willingness to empower those who have oppressed us. What is a threat is thinking that the onus is solely on politicians to fix our country. It is the poor and ignorant who are often the most vulnerable as they do not recognise the true value of their power.
Mashramani is a time for patriotism. However we choose to celebrate or not celebrate is our freedom and right. We blur and erase the lines of divisions during the festivities. And though many may ask what we gain by continuing the tradition and if it really advances the nation, perhaps it is really about how we experience it as individuals.
In recent years, I have developed a new appreciation for Mashramani, mainly because of how I have experienced it. I have never participated by being a part of the costume and float parade, but I have observed the creativity of the designers and expressions of the people as they celebrate. There are also many activities leading up to February 23rd. Many miss those activities, are simply not aware them or are not interested. There are the school competitions, for example, which include dance, masquerade, dramatic poetry, calypso, costume and float parade. There are also the adult song competitions, which include calypso, soca and chutney. And the steelpan competitions too. Also, events like the Folk Night, which was held at the National Cultural Centre tarmac last Tuesday, are new to me.
Folk Night was a combination of games and entertainment. It was nostalgic. Being a child who grew up in the 80s and 90s when we were not locked into tablets, computers or mobile phones, I was reminded how great childhood was. Folk Night saw games, such as ‘Chinese skipping, sal out, hopscotch and ring games. And though I was simply an observer, it reminded me of the freedoms I had forgotten and miss.
As adults, we are caught up in work, bills, relationships, often coupled with great tensions, so much so that we often forget to reflect on the little things that added to our lives and helped to shape us into the people we are. Folk Night was about lifting our spirits as a people. It was about our oneness. The entertainment reflected our diversity as a Guyanese people and no one who was present can deny that it was a most beautiful night.
But as beautiful as that experience and the many others leading up to today’s celebration have been, we have to remember why we do this every year. Forty-nine years ago, it was declared that we had the power to say and become whatever we chose to be with all of us being equal. Are we any closer to recognising our full potential as a nation than we were in 1970? Are we closer to truly standing as a united Guyana with one aim to silence the voices of division and strife who would rather watch us fight each other? Some who have led us since 1970 have often abused the power. Mashramani should stand as a reminder of what being a Republic truly means.
Marcus Garvey said, “If you have no confidence, you are twice defeated in the race of life.”
Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”
It should not take another 49 years for us to become whole. Our time is now.
