Brilliant array of costumes, bands at Mash Georgetown bathed in sea of colour Stabroek News February 24, 2001 Georgetown yesterday pulsated with the rhythms of local and Caribbean music and was swathed in a sea of colour as a bacchanalian atmosphere pervaded Mashramani Day. The day saw a dazzling array and variety of costumes and bands not seen in previous years and many persons commented on the high quality of the designs. Guyanese from all walks of life turned out in their thousands with their picnic baskets to witness this year's spectacular Mashramani float and costume parade marking the country's thirty first republic anniversary. Thousands braved the heat, gathering at all possible vantage points along the route including the Merriman Mall and along Irving Street to get a glimpse of the annual street show. They made use of shade under trees, some erected tents, some took along umbrellas while others wore colourful and decorative hats and brand name caps. Not to be left out were the many drinks booths and in general business was brisk and many did not walk with picnic baskets preferring to buy food. In addition to the outdoor family gatherings, there were a number of bar-b-que pits from which wafted the tantalising flavour of seasoned, roasting chicken. Among the many spectators in the National Park were President Bharrat Jagdeo, First Lady Varshnie Jagdeo, Prime Minister Sam Hinds and Mrs Yvonne Hinds. Under the theme `Let's Have Fun in 2001', so designated by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, several ministries, regional democratic councils and commercial entities paraded their glittering costumes before the judges. The results were not available at press time but the judges' task was an unenviable one. In many of the bands, heads and executives of the companies joined in with employees and other revellers in gyrating to the popular stereo sets and bands which accompanied the revellers. Unlike previous years, most of the bands were decked out in snazzy costumes -- an improvement on t-shirt bands - and were on time. The first to move off did so at 1010 hrs. Members of the public commented on the improvement in the quality of the costumes and their portrayal. Among the colourful bands were Rayon House of Fashion, last year's champion which had no competition then but which now appears to be in close but friendly rivalry with Western Union, Don Gomes Optical, Regions Four, Five and Ten and the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Industry which joined the parade somewhat late. But it was better late than never as they showcased Guyana's exotic landscapes and flora and fauna. The Ministry of Education this year took the lead with a strong contingent under the theme `Education is the key to success'. It moved off from the Camp and Church Streets starting point moving east along Church Street, north into Irving Street and west into Thomas Road and into the National Park shortly after 1100 hrs where the stands began to fill early in the day. A continuous sea of pageantry flowed from the starting point for the next four hours as some 30 contingents showcased their rich designs promoting the country's heritage and cultural diversity. Also on the route was a large contingent from the People's National Congress REFORM clothed mainly in t-shirts and headbands and including a group of Majorettes, dancers and a depiction of a space ball. This contingent started off from the Square of the Revolution making its way to the starting point through North Road past the residence of PNC REFORM Leader Desmond Hoyte. However, instead of turning into Thomas Road toward the National Park the contingent broke off at that point and headed to Sophia to continue the celebrations. The last band to enter the parade and to finally make its way into the National Park at 1700 hrs was Guyana Stores Limited which was led by a number of well-endowed women prompting a spectator to say they were probably from the "supermarket section". In spite of the long day there were a few people who told Stabroek News that they were sorry the last of the bands had passed and they wanted more. Follow the goings-on in Guyana in Guyana Today 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.