Let us build on this wonderful thing Editorial Guyana Chronicle February 24, 2000 RHYTHMS throbbed in the air. The mouth-watering oleos of grilled chicken, jerk-pork, potato fries and roti and curry wafted tantalisingly in the breeze as Guyanese in their thousands gathered along the route of the costume band and float parade to witness and enjoy the spectacle of Mashramani revelry. In what must be described as one of the best festivals to celebrate the anniversary of the Cooperative Republic, Guyanese took advantage of the glorious sunny weather to tramp and jive, catch up with old friends, `bus a lime' and generally free themselves, for a few hours, from the tensions and cares of everyday existence. People of all ethnic tribes, colours and classes came out of their homes determined to have a good time whether they were participating in bands and floats or were just picnicking spectators. We hasten to offer our sincerest congratulations once again to Culture Minister Ms Gail Teixeira for her personal resolve not only to reinvigorate Mashramani but also to inspire the main players to lift their levels of artistry and creative output. We would like to commend too, those business houses, large and small, which sponsored the dozens of contestants and groups, and also put up cash prizes and trophies for the various competitions and events. The Government must be commended also for its generous cash allocations, which went to decorate state buildings and helped to transform the city of Georgetown into a fairyland nightscape. We cannot forget the general populace who behaved in a most orderly manner despite persons' eagerness to see as much of the revelry and floats as they possibly could. The behaviour of the crowds showed, once again, that persons can gather in large groups and enjoy themselves without being disorderly. Conscious observers, who in recent days, might have been taken aback by the rebarbative and intemperate exchanges between sections of society on certain topical issues, must have wondered at the ability of the Guyanese to suspend, albeit temporarily, that internecine verbal conflict and truly come together to celebrate a national festival. Those conscious observers could be forgiven for believing that there is hope for this nation. And we believe this hope could be realised if citizens are persuaded to build on this spirit, on this camaraderie, togetherness and cooperation for the forging of national unity. Last Monday in this column, we lamented the fractured state of the nation and posited that political, religious and community leaders need to be more proactive in guiding the groups of people they represent into the kind of thinking that would promote greater tolerance and understanding across ethnic and class lines. We noted that leaders could turn to history and the stories of the nation's forebears to draw from their noble feats and sacrifices lessons of inspiration, wisdom and understanding. Today we are constrained to add to our recommendations for greater unity, the beautiful spirit of togetherness that was so much abroad in our land yesterday. With a sense of commitment bolstered by a determination to find greater tolerance and harmony, the Guyanese people will be able to transform themselves into one nation with a common destiny.