Large turnout at Mash contest, problems surface
Stabroek News
February 8, 2003
Day four of the Department of Education Georgetown Children’s Mashramani Competition failed to reach its conclusion yesterday afternoon due to a late start and constant crowd trouble at the National Park.
The annual competition for Georgetown schools kicked off on Tuesday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with the dramatic poetry and calypso competitions. Day two continued with the physical display, masquerade and dance one competitions while costumes were on parade on day three.
Dance two, masquerade and the physical display competitions were scheduled for Day four.
Some ninety schools within the city took part in the competitions, the majority in the dance segments. Dance two which had the maximum participation came to a halt and will be completed at the National Sports Hall on Monday.
The large crowd in the National Park became unruly and restless a little after noon and kept up the behaviour well in to the afternoon. There were fistfights and `mace’ was sprayed on several occasions which resulted in the crowd fleeing the stands to escape the noxious fumes. The huge crowd which converged on the tarmac refused to disperse despite several calls from the organisers.
North Georgetown Secondary and Primary emerged the winner of the dance competition with no.1 finishes in every category they contested. Other top schools included Sacred Heart Primary which finished first in the physical display group category and the 11-13 interpretive group and the 11-13 interpretive individual categories.
New Campbellville Secondary also emerged winners in the 11-13 legends and traditions group and the 11-13 individual social commentary.
