As had been expected, Guyana will be celebrating its 51st Republic Anniversary on February 23 differently due to COVID-19.
According to the Department of Public Information (DPI) Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson said that while the anniversary would be observed, the Mashramani celebration will be deferred in the interest of public safety.
The Minister made this statement yesterday afternoon during an engagement in Region Five.
“There will be a Republic Day celebration, the Mashramani itself is deferred when we can do it in a much safer environment. There will be the flag raising ceremony the night before our 51st Republic Day, there will be a cultural activity,” he said, according to DPI.
During the evening of February 23, a virtual cultural presentation will be held, which will be broadcast live so that Guyanese can celebrate the occasion from their homes.
Ramson said that “The float parade obviously can’t be done because of COVID. It’s too high a price for us to pay for us to do that and it’s a logistical nightmare to even contemplate doing that.”
The Minister also said the Calypso, Chutney and Soca Monarch Competitions will be held virtually in March, DPI related.