'Mash' machinery ready to go - Teixeira -thousands of children to be in Feb. 19 costume parade By Desiree Jodah Stabroek News December 18, 1999 "The machinery is well oiled and prepared to go," announced Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Gail Teixeira at a ceremony to kick-start preparations for Mashramani 2000 under the theme "We Mashin' As One in 2000". The launching which was staged at the Umana Yana on Monday had the added attraction of musical renditions by the City Jammers Steel Orchestra and a traditional masquerade band. Meanwhile, it was announced that John Fernandes, prize-winning costume band designer, will be the Mash secretariat's full-time co-ordinator. In an overview of activities planned for the upcoming celebrations, Teixeira said that preparations for the annual showcase event were "up and running" with the Mash committee already constituted. Two meetings of the committee, she said, had been held to work out the broad framework for the staging of Mash. The celebration's logo was also unveiled and the minister noted that its use on all things pertaining to Mash is to be allowed and no copyright will be attached. Teixeira used the opportunity to outline the schedule of events for the coming celebrations. The Calypso-Soca Competition is yet to be finalised but auditions are to be held tomorrow and January 3, following which no other contestants will be permitted to participate. Teixeira urged persons willing to participate to get organised early to ensure effective presentations. Other events identified by the minister on the Mash calendar include: February 5 - Calypso Quarter Finals; and the Children's Costume competition from February 16 to 18 at the National Cultural Centre. There is also an innovation, according to the minister, with the competition in the Children's Costume Parade being held on February 19 to ensure widespread and effective participation by the regions. Some 3,500 children are expected to be accommodated in the City for that event. The Calypso Final is scheduled on February 20 while the Steel Pan Final will be on February 21. The traditional Flag Raising event is to be held on the morning of February 23 at Public Buildings, Brickdam. Later that day, at 10:00 hrs, the Float Parade is to be staged and maximum private sector participation is expected. Teixeira expressed the hope that travel agents and airlines could organise a tour package to accommodate visitors arriving on February 18 and leaving after the Float Parade on February 23. Government, she stated, was heavily subsidising the event and she called for more private sector participation. The minister used the opportunity to announce that famed designer Bernard Ramsey is the winner of the millennium theme and logo competition sponsored by her ministry. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Keith Booker, gave the welcome and opening remarks. Reigning Calypso Monarch, Winfield James, also belted out a musical piece. A © page from: Guyana: Land of Six Peoples