Pre-modern and modern history is replete with situations where despite the devastation wrought on various peoples by oppression, exploitation and wars, their common culture was what was responsible for their unbreakable bond.

The example of the Jews is a typical illustration of this point - they were almost totally devastated by the Nazis, and those who survived the gas chambers and other numerous forms of torture and atrocities ended up scattered in almost every part of the globe.

But they remain united, and basically it is because of a cultural link.

No wonder the colonial invaders, with their imperialistic intentions, sought to destroy the cultures of their captive nations, and attempt to impose their culture on these newly acquired colonies.

It has been acknowledged that one of the best means of destroying a nation or people is by destroying its culture.

But the building of a culture is a long, painful and evolutionary process.

It takes centuries to forge a truly national culture, especially among those nations that are diverse in social composition and that have been subjected to imperialist domination.

It is at the same time a very complex issue - encompassing language, arts, traditions and customs, and religion - and it cuts across territorial boundaries.

In Guyana, a young nation just 36 years old, the process of the evolution of a national culture is now on its way and as such we cannot truly claim that a national culture exists.

But we do have a rich heritage of diverse culture which has to be genuinely interwoven for a national culture to emerge.

One of the events that symbolises the process of the evolution of a national culture is of course Mashramani and over the years, it has gradually been blossoming into a national spectacle - even though in the initial years it tended to be a mainly Georgetown event, and to some extent it still is.

But in recent years, there has been a movement away from this trend, with activities in the countryside on the increase.

Credit must be given to Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Ms. Gail Teixeira, and her team for working persistently towards the decentralising of this national event.

In addition, genuine efforts are being made every year to begin preparations earlier and to seek greater involvement from the private sector and the widest possible cross section of the society.

This will definitely contribute positively towards the reconciliation, harmony and the nurturing of a truly national culture.

At the launching of the 2003 Mash celebrations, the minister in referring to the participation from the wider community, noted the participation of a funeral home, with the owner coming up with some good innovations.

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