It's early days yet, but so far the signs are good. Mashramani 2002 already shows signs of success that possibly only torrential rain or an unprecedented natural/national disaster could affect.

It is clear that its earlier than usual launch last year is among the factors that have influenced this. Workshops put on by the Ministry of Culture last year dealing with calypsos and costume design have also undoubtedly enhanced the product. Designers are hard at work, evidenced by the previews of costumes availed to the media and through them would-be revellers who are still undecided as to which band they would choose. Entries by private sector entities are growing.

As usual, the children are leading by shining example. A high quality of costumes has been paraded each day at the children's competition. And there is an ingenuity in the calypsos heard so far, that has already put the adults to shame. Beyond a doubt, though none of them receive cash awards for winning in the dance, calypso, physical display, steelband and masquerade competitions that make up the Children's Mashramani, children put far more effort into this national festival.

With regard to this, organizers must have realized this year that the increased participation calls for a larger venue for the children's competitions. The entries and audience could easily have filled the National Park, though this would not have been feasible given the current inclement weather. However, it is a possibility that ought to be considered in the future with the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, the National Cultural Centre and the National Gymnasium as alternative venues.

As regards the adults, the calypso association still has not been able to attract the sponsorship it so desperately needs. Some calypsonians have been sponsored by firms, but the ideal would be a corporate sponsor or group of sponsors that would organize the entire activity. This, apart from creating a more level playing field, would unfetter the Ministry of Culture from its current role of implementing and allow it to concentrate more on coordinating.

Mashramani is definitely off to a good start. And despite the misgivings in some quarters, a compromise has been reached between the ministry and the Muslim organizations that even if Eid-Ul Adha were to fall on February 23, neither observance would be disrupted. What would make this year's Mash even better would be an integrated parade from start to finish. The PNC's band, in recent years, has either traversed an entirely separate course, or only part of usual route. It is not too much to hope for is it, that this band, still the largest by far, would change course this year? Regardless of the disunity between the PNM and UNC, Trinidadians' dedication to carnival transcends political barriers as will be manifest when they play mas' next week. A step in this direction for Guyana can only lead to good things -- a reduction in racial tensions and an overall positive image of our country, which would redound to the benefit of all.