Mashramani explosion! Guyanese in their thousands celebrate the 30th year of the Cooperative Republic By Linda Rutherford Guyana Chronicle February 24, 2000 GEORGETOWN was the scene of a truly cultural explosion yesterday when thousands of Guyanese from all walks of life cast their cares aside to celebrate Mashramani. Most persons agreed that it was one of the biggest celebrations of the national festival witnessed in recent years. Thanks to splendid weather and the increased participation of commercial firms, agencies and Government ministries, Guyana's 30th anniversary of Republican status was a combination of colour, pulsating rhythmns and joyous movement. Everywhere one turned, groups of people seemed headed in the one direction - towards the Merriman's Mall which for years has been the best vantage point from which to watch all the costume bands and floats go by on their way to the National Park to be judged. For some, it is also a good place to catch up with people you haven't seen in years or on the latest gossip or fashion. Folks also seemed well-prepared to spend a long day, judging from the hefty food hampers and equally enormous coolers they carried. Some were said to be on the streets since 08:00 hrs, no doubt to bag the best spots on the Mall and along Church and Irving Streets and Vlissengen Road. As the floats and costume bands moved along the established routes, spectators thronged the road corners to admire the participants and to move to the music from the boom boxes. Beers and other beverages flowed freely and food and snacks hucksters did brisk business on the Mall and at other selecdted spots. Shorts seemed to be the order of the day as were denim and `cargo' jeans, which latter is the latest craze among the youths, and gaily-coloured Tee-shirts. Favourite colours were green, red, yellow, fuschia, tangerine and aqua even among the costume bands. Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Ms Gail Teixeira also favoured stong colours this year, opting for a snazzy cotton two-piece in aquamarine. The Prime Minister's wife, Mrs Yvonne Hinds, well turned out as usual, was a picture of elegance in white trousers and deep lilac top. To complete the ensemble, she wore white strappy sandals and a lilac-colourd hat. Prime Minister Sam Hinds preferred the casual look in white jeans and matching T-shirt, having led his band all the way to the National Park. He made the mandatory two rounds of the tarmac and danced before the judges just like every one else in the group to gain it valuable points, in spite of the presence of his body guards. He was well received by the spectators who filled the east and west stands. The Prime Minister's entourage, which was among the best of the semi-costume bands, comprised the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Public Works and Communications, Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), the Civil Aviation Department (CAD), the Demerara Harbour Bridge and the Sea Defence Unit. Their theme was `Development Through Diversity'. Human Services and Social Security Minister Mrs Indra Chandarpal also led her group which was a team-up between her Ministry and the National Commission on the Rights of the Child. Fisheries, Crops and Livestock Minister Mr Satyadeow Sawh was seen marshalling his flock which was a team-up with his Ministry, the Ministry of Agriculture, GUYSUCO (Guyana Sugar Corporation), New GMC (New Guyana Marketing Corporation) and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC). This group, too, showed some imagination in terms of designing in spite of being just a semi-costume band. The consensus among spectators at 14:30 hrs, however, was that the best band to have entered to Park thus far was the Ministry of Local Government grouping which was another piece of team work with that Ministry and some of the ten administrative Regions under its purview. The Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) `Millennium Bug' float and costume band, in particular, was a hit with the crowd. According to the narration that accompanied the band, the idea was to depict the many bugs that plagued the Region, particularly in the agricultural sector. Up to 14:45 hrs, just 11 bands had entered the Park, in spite of the parade's early start and the orderliness with which it was run. Sources said, however, that the parade made better timing this year than on previous occasions. Two hundred and forty five vending spots were leased on the Mall this year, and another 80 along the JB Singh Road between Lamaha Street and Thomas Road, according to Deputy Mayor, Mr Robert Williams. It was the first time this latter area was used for this purpose, Williams said. A new feature this year was the portable marquee which came in all colours and styles. Some used them as shelters from the sweltering sun while watching the floats go by, while others used them to vend food and beverages.