As part of the continuing celebrations to mark Guyana’s 50th anniversary as a republic, children of all ages took to the city streets yesterday for the annual Children’s Mashramani Costume and Float Parade.
Bands participating in the parade gathered at Parade Ground and from there moved along Middle Street, into Camp Street, then into Lamaha Street before turning onto Albert Street and proceeding to the National Park, where they then performed a physical display for parade judges.
Along the streets, persons came out in their numbers to see the colourful costumes and creative floats, while in the stands at the National Park, hundreds of parents and friends cheered on as the young revellers delivered energetic and entertaining performances.
Many of the bands looked to the resources of the country and the education system for inspiration and chose themes that highlighted development. These included Winfer Gardens Primary, which participated under the theme “Education on the rise through STEAM and a bright future”. A teacher at the school told this newspaper that the theme was chosen because STEAM [Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics] touches on the education system and the vast developments that have occurred over the years, while the “bright future” refers to the opportunities the country is bound to have now that it has oil.
Graham’s Hall Primary, Success Elementary, F.E. Pollard Primary and Smith’s Memorial Primary used the theme “New Guyana,” reflecting the country’s move away from the old ways and trying to implement the new in the education system. Another school which explored a similar theme was North Georgetown Primary, which participated under the theme “Education: the future is now. Transforming the sector through the decade of development and technology.” This theme was chosen to depict the use of technology and need for it in schools.
St. Gabriel’s Primary School also showcased all of Guyana’s natural resources, with a focus on its recently discovered oil. A teacher from the school told Stabroek News that Guyana’s resources are growing and therefore the float had all the traditional resources, such as rice, sugar and bauxite, at the back, while oil was in full display in front of the other resources.
There were also bands representing each region. The Region Two band had a float with a huge aeroplane and coconut trees to highlight its theme -“Transforming our Cinderella country into a… tourist destination.” The designer of the costumes explained that their vision was to show that with Guyana being a “must see” tourist destination, they are shedding light on the region people should go to when they come. “Not to Georgetown, come to Region Two, we have it all,” the designer said.
Meanwhile, the band representing Region Four wore an red leotards and skirts made of ribbons showing the five colors of the national flag. A representative for the band explained that the outfit was chosen to reflect the theme “Sustaining regional development while enhancing more infrastructural developments.” As a result, the colours of the flag were chosen given their respective significance, while the all red leotard represented the zeal and dynamic nature of nation-building.
Other school bands which participated included Charlestown Secondary, St John’s College, Tucville Secondary, West Ruimveldt Secondary, Kingston, and the Sophia Special School.
