Keeping the momentum going
Editorial
All have agreed that Mashramani was a success. And just as they have in previous years, the children led the way; not only by having their tramp early, but in terms of quality. The children's competitions exposed their genius in the arts--dance, calypso, physical display, steelband and masquerade. Those responsible for the achievements seen on February 23, and earlier should give themselves a collective pat on the back and immediately begin working to top this year's accomplishment next year. It has been said over and over that December/January is too late to launch Mashramani. In fact, the Ministry of Culture should look at having Mash 2001 launched early in March this year. Whichever committee brainstorms and decides on the theme for Mash should be meeting this week. Once Mash is launched and the theme announced, Ministry of Culture officials can begin to conduct negotiations and arrange to hand over more of the organizing to the private sector and individuals. An early announcement of the Mash theme would also give designers et al more time to come up with designs that really depict the theme. Schoolchildren could design their schools' Mash float as part of their art project. Perhaps the Ministry of Education could procure sponsors for this to be done on a competitive basis, ensuring that the children are given an incentive as encouragement. This would be in addition to the trophies they receive for winning the float parade. Private sector agencies may also want to consider sponsoring the children's costumes, especially for schools in the poorer areas. Or perhaps the ministry may want to look at making designs for Mash floats part of the schools' end-of-term examinations. This way all children would participate and their creativity would be nurtured, since this project would be done with guidance from their art teachers. The designs would be graded for report cards and the best ones selected for reproduction. As regards the adults, the calypso association needs to promote itself more. Often, the winning calypso is rarely heard after Mash. Instead of waiting for the radio and television stations to play their calypsos, the members of the association could hold concerts. It would be safer to start at smaller venues and not try to fill the National Park or Cliff Anderson Sports Hall at the beginning. Shows at nightclubs might be a good way to start. Steelband and masquerade bands could consider grouping themselves also, for better marketing. Designers for Mash camps usually keep their Queen/King of the band costume under wraps until competition time and this should continue as it adds to the mystique. However, having had the Mash theme announced early, Mash camps could perhaps release their sub-theme, which would encourage greater crowd participation. An early announcement of the Mash theme would also mean that the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana would have a more solid product to promote at overseas tourism fairs and markets. Perhaps when we can do this we would see carnival-goers including Mash in Guyana on their itinerary-- a good tramp down Georgetown can set the mood for their escapades in Trinidad and further afield. This year has proven, better than any other, that Mash is what we make it and it can be enjoyed by all. The Christian band is still the talk of the town and this kind of participation needs to be encouraged. Improving our republic anniversary festivities can only lead to good things--a reduction in racial tensions, an increase in cash flow (particularly foreign exchange) and an overall positive image of our country, which would redound to the benefit of all.
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