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The National Flag unfurled to the sounds of drums by Mr. Seeram, Lieutenant of the Guyana Defence Force.
Prior to the hoisting of the flag, the jubilant crowd was entertained with energetic cultural performances which saw African dancing and drumming from the 'Congonya' group of Berbice, 'tasa' drumming and Indian songs and dances.
At 21:50 hrs the joint candlelight parade of the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service, the Guyana Fire Service, the Seven Day Adventist Church, Nurses and Comforting Hearts made their way to the compound ending a parade that started from Marks Junction, New Amsterdam.
Mr. Samuel Fraser, an NDC councilor handed over the prizes of the Regional Mashramani Domino Competition to the Guyana Teachers Union, Terminators and Survivors who placed first, second and third respectively.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Doodnauth Singh delivered the feature address in which he said: the line in our National Anthem - 'Dear Land of the free' was operative only when we became a Republic on February 23rd, 1970.
He concluded that this freedom was enhanced when Dr. Cheddi Jagan was restored to power in 1992 and said that he hoped that all regions in this country would develop equally.
'I am heartened by this massive attendance tonight' were the words of Regional Chairman Mr. Kumkarran Ramdass. He said this was a significant year for Mashramani in Berbice since it started a new initiative that follows on the heels of a new National Events Committee set up at the regional level.
He said it is the first time in fourteen years that there has been such a massive Mashramani celebration in the region. This programme, which included hosting of the Mash Quarter Finals in Rose Hall, was launched since November 2003.
The Regional Chairman reminded the crowd that Mashramani was a part of their national heritage and that it is events like Mashramani that show the unity of the Guyanese people.
Mrs. Joycelyn Howard, who said the time has come for all Guyanese to work to develop our country, represented the New Amsterdam Town Council.
Mr. Murray who represented the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association wished President Jagdeo good health and urged greater development in drainage and irrigation pointing to increased markets for non-traditional products in North America.