Mashramani message
Editorial
OBSERVERS watching yesterday's massive Mashramani Day parade around Georgetown, the high point of the Republic anniversary celebrations, would be forgiven for wondering where was all the tension they have been led to believe was just simmering beneath the society, ready to explode at elections time. They would have seen none of that.
What they saw were Guyanese in gay abandon, enjoying themselves and having fun.
These were not people in warring camps ready to get at each other's throats.
They danced to English, Indian, Caribbean and just about every kind of music and the doomsday preachers and the racists had to scamper for cover.
Guyanese celebrated just as they celebrated Christmas and the New Year when some camps were predicting doom and gloom early in the new year if the elections were not held by January 17, the original due date.
Guyanese of all races celebrated the victory of Andrew `Six Heads' Lewis in Las Vegas last week when he became the first local boxer to win a world title.
The letter from his `grow mate' Zahid Ali in yesterday's Chronicle spoke volumes and those who see race and politics in everything should listen to the message in the simple lines.
The powerful message that is coming through amid all the political strains that Guyanese have had to endure is that they want to move on with their lives in peace and in harmony - love and unity and in togetherness.
Those who constantly want to push the people to the brink should sit up and take note - the Guyanese on the streets of Georgetown yesterday are not paying much attention to them.
`We mashing as one in 2001' was the theme for the main event of the Republic anniversary celebrations yesterday and Guyanese seemed determined to show that that's just what they are for.
The turnout was massive and as Guyanese of all races, ages, forms and sizes came forward to `Mash as One in 2001', many felt it was the best mood in which to move into the upcoming elections.
The observers here for the elections would not have seen much animosity because there is not much among the people.
Politicians tend to exploit problems for their own devious ends and the people are beginning to speak back in strong terms.
Such a turnout and such a mood among the people would not have been possible if this was an elections campaign bristling with tensions and deep-seated animosities.
Hail up, Guyana!
Minister of Sports and Culture, Ms Gail Teixeira was all over in glee and expressed delight at the success of the occasion.
The groups are getting better organised; they are doing more choreography, and the quality of the costumes is definitely improving.
Ms Teixeira said that while some were just fun bands and presented a fine spectacle, it was evident that others had worked on practising their steps and so appeared superb.
She also should take a bow.
Mash 2001 was a resounding success and it's message was powerful.
 Follow the goings-on in Guyana  If you do not see the 'Guyana: Land of Six Peoples' drop-down menu on the left then please click here to enter through the front door which will give you additional options and information.
|