According to a report from the Government Information Agency (GINA), Mashramani celebrations were held in a number of Regions, which saw the involvement of the Regional Democratic Councils as well. It is anticipated that even better participation will flow from the various Regions during Mash 2003.

For Mash 2003 the Ministry began to coordinate its activities since June in an effort to get a head-start on the celebrations. The 2003 celebrations were launched in September. A Mash Brunch to bring the Public Sector and other entities up to date with plans for Mash 2003 was held at the Umana Yana.

Speaking at her end-of-year press briefing recently, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Ms Gail Teixeira reported that auditions have been completed for next year's calypso competition. The Ministry has already identified February as the month to run off the calypso competitions.

The 2002 Calypso Monarch is Vivian Jordan popularly known as "VJ" with his composition "VJ for President."

The Mashramani Management Committee has already been identified for 2003.

Teixeira said the Ministry and the Mash Secretariat are fighting to have CARICOM put Mashramani on their calendar of events. Over the last five years Mash has been organised to target international and Caribbean markets. The aim is to make the celebrations a "Guyanese Festival" that may be marketed.

There is already reported interest by the Private Sector to play a role in the celebrations and Teixeira is urging interested persons, especially the Private Sector, to work in partnership with the Ministry so that Mash 2003 could be better than Mash 2002.