The fatal stabbing of 31-year old Shawn Britton of Hopetown, West Coast Berbice at last Sunday's Mash revelry at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) ground threw a dark cloud over the event bringing it to an abrupt end.

According to the police, Britton was reportedly stabbed by a man who was wielding an ice pick indiscriminately in an apparent attempt to ward off would be robbers after a substance suspected to be mace was sprayed in a crowd attempting to enter the compound. However, a friend said Britton was accused by a man of snatching his wallet and an argument and a fight followed. He later learnt that Britton had been stabbed.

Another reveller, Randolph Wilson of Georgetown was reportedly injured by the ice-pick wielding man but was said to be in a stable condition in the New Amsterdam Hospital.

(B( Division Commander, Assistant Commissioner Paul Slowe, told this newspaper that the incident which occurred just after 2100 hrs forced the police to stop the merrymaking much to the dissatisfaction of the organisers and some revellers.

Earlier, during the parade along the town's Main Street and later at the institute several persons were robbed of cash and jewellery, particularly after sunset. Hundreds of revellers had tramped to the institute shortly after dark to participate in an open-air dance for which an entrance fee of $500 was charged.

The organisers of the Mash float parade and road tramp had notified the public that the playing of music by sound systems would not be allowed along the main road after 1900 hrs to facilitate the fete at NATI. As a result, many persons flocked to the northern edge of the town. However the spraying of mace and the tragic stabbing incident turned the party sour and ended the day's festivities.

Back in 1995 two persons were killed at an after Mash party at the Guyana Teachers' Union Hall, when revellers panicked after mace was sprayed in the crowd.

The parade moved off from Mark's Bridge in Stanleytown just after 1400 hrs on Sunday, with three floats from Region Six leading the way. They were followed by Western Union/Beeraahaar from the East Bank of Berbice, Guyoil, the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown, Guyana Stores Ltd, Demerara Distillers Ltd and a costume band from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

The bands were followed by thousands of Guyanese from all walks of life, young and old, forming a sea of colour, gyrating to the music of sound systems stationed along the main thoroughfare and mounted on trucks. Hundreds waved national flags while several could be seen fluttering in the mid afternoon breeze from buildings along Main Street.

Other persons lined Main Street at strategic points from mid morning to get a glimpse of the parade and costumes. A significant percent of the crowd comprised children and women. Scores of food stalls and bars took up almost all the available space between St Magdelen and King streets, a distance of approximately half mile.

There was no restriction on the sale of alcoholic beverages and scores of young children, including girls, could be seen imbibing various alcoholic beverages in the presence of adults.

Most businesses closed their doors for the day, except the Chinese restaurants. Several of the food stalls and bar operators stayed through the night attempting to sell their commodities or protect them.

Yet for many the day was one of enjoyment and relaxation for the entire family. The designer clothes and footwear that abounded indicated just how much was spent on looking good for Mashramani.

And once again there have been calls for Berbicians to celebrate Mashramani on February 23, as was done years ago.