Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Ms. Gail Teixeira at a ceremony Friday at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown to launch Mash 2003, said she was enthused about the indications of support for the activities so far.

A lot of emphasis for the celebrations will be placed on marketing and promotion with the private sector, she said, adding that the committee intends to encourage private firms more and "see them as partners in the activity".

Teixeira said many large companies were indicating their support for the Mash activities. The Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Guyana Manufacturers Association (GMA) will be coming on board for the first time in support of the activities, she announced.

"I think this is also a major achievement now that these two major bodies that represent the private sector are on board with us", she said.

One good example of such a partnership, she pointed out, is Sanata Textiles, which provided fabrics for the decoration of the Umana Yana for the launching. Sanata will be coming up with a big surprise for Mashramani celebrations, she hinted.

The theme for Mash 2003 is `United Are We in 2003' and was the winning entry selected from 90 others submitted by persons throughout Guyana.

The theme chosen was sent in by Mr. Martin Borne of Kitty, Georgetown. Borne, who attended the launching ceremony, was presented with a cheque for $30,000 for his winning entry.

From among the entries, there were themes suggested for the first time by persons from Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni). The minister said this was an indication of people's involvement in activities for Mash which is becoming more broad-based.

One important thing, she noted, was a common thread running through the 91 themes.

This was the focus on unity in some form or fashion. She said 80 per cent of those emphasised unity while others focussed on cultural diversity.

She said that from all the themes received, nine were examined by the Central Mash Committee, and after lengthy discussions two of those were short-listed and one selected.

Teixeira said a highlight for the Republic anniversary celebrations will be the reintroduction of 'Mash Night' on February 21, the night of a parade of a king and queen costume - large individual pieces which will be on the parade during the road march on February 23.

"People will be able to come out and have a preview of these so that they will be able to see the costumes closer", she explained.

The minister said the initiative was taken because with the growing number of participants over the years, people and even the judges have had difficulties seeing the costumes on the road. On 'Mash Night' the costumes will be exhibited and judged, she said.

She reported that the committee would also be encouraging economic activities through craftsmen, seamstresses and others who will make various paraphernalia for the event.

With an estimated 2,000 people who usually visit from abroad for Mash, taking a break from the winter, the production of key rings, posters, bandanas, hats and T-shirts and craft will help to generate some economic activity for a number of people, she said.

Teixeira also noted that Mash celebrations have been engaging such wide participation that the A&D Chapel funeral home, which participated in last year's celebrations, will be on board again this year. She said the representative of that entity who was at the launching has brought to the activities some new ideas and suggestions which were welcomed.

"Clearly, the Mash spirit has infected him, and it's a good spirit. We talk about various viruses infections...but the Mash infection is a good one to have", she said.

Suggestions include renaming some of the things associated with Mash with creole names to give them a more local Guyanese flair and flavour.

The Mash Committee for 2002 celebrations began its work on October 20, 2001. The committee began meetings in June this year to make preparations for the 2003 celebrations.

The body has decided to make the year 2000 logo the standard format that would be used as the official logo for future Mash celebrations, except for the theme which would change every year.

The committee already has a calendar of events outlining activities that will lead up to the grand celebrations on February 23.

"Each year we try to make Mash grow broader...and the events are not only in Georgetown since we tried to rebuild Mash in 1998", the minister said.

She pointed out that the events have now reached the stage where there is a national competition in most of the 10 administrative regions of Guyana.