About Mashramani
Origin of Mashramani
Guyana Chronicle
February 23, 2004
SINCE Guyana became independent on May 26, 1966, the Jaycess of Linden had been arranging for the organizing of an Independence Carnival in McKenzie.
With the advent of Guyana becoming a Republic on Feb. 23, 1970, the Jaycees of Linden under president Harmon Nobreiga formed a Jaycees Republic Celebrations Committee. Basil Butcher was selected as Chairman but due to his being selected to tour Australia with the West Indies Cricket Team, Mr. Jim Blackman was appointed as the Deputy to carry on.
A broad based committee, including resource personnel such as Wordsworth McAndrew, Arthur Seymour, and Adrian Thompson, began the organization of the Carnival activities.
The search for a name to replace Carnival began and it was suggested by Basil Butcher that an Amerindian name be chosen. This was agreed to and several individuals including Mr. Allan Fietdkow, an Amerindian, were contacted.
Mr. Fietdkow held discussions with his grandfather who explained a type of Festival that was held by Amerindians whenever they gather to celebrate a special event. This event he said was like "Muster Many" and sounded in Arawak like Mashramani.
Steps were taken to confirm this. Adrian Thompson concluded that since no one could have confirmed or denied that the Arawak work for Festival was Mashramani, then the Festival could be called Mashramani.
One Feb 23rd, 1970 the Festival called "Mashramani" was a huge success with people drawn from all Regions of Guyana to Linden welcoming Guyana's Republic Status with over three days of frolic and fun.
After witnessing the massive crowds, glitter and level of competition, Mr. David Singh a Government Official held discussion with the Jaycees Committee about bringing the event to Georgetown. Approval was also given by the then President Forbes Burnham for Mash to be he National Event for the Republic celebration.
Mash activities were rotated in Linden, Berbice and Georgetown but due to sponsorship, the Costume Bands contest remained in Georgetown.
NOTE: The Amerindian word is said to be Mashirimehi, which means "Cooperative effort".