It's that season again. The period of a weeks-long celebratory national festival which falls neatly between two other religious observances - the Christian Christmas and Easter. Mashramani seeks to celebrate Guyana's Republican status attained thirty-four years ago.

Of course, Mashramani as a celebration first introduced and institutionalised by a government, which, in 1970, had just re-inserted itself under dubious circumstances in 1968, has attracted its fair share of criticism and controversy over the years. Especially since the re-emergence of the PPP/C administration in 1992. But we'll return to this a few paragraphs later.

Music, song and dance are the life-blood of the carnival elements of the Mashramani festival. (This has, by itself, attracted some criticism.) And the calypso and soca art forms command heightened attention from those who are interested in that sort of thing.

This writer happens to be one of "those" very interested. And consequently, very frustrated, from year to year. To me, notwithstanding all claims to the contrary, the standard of calypso has not risen appreciably over the past decade and a half. And this in a country which led the way in the fifties and sixties.

The composition, arranging, recording and packaging of our calypso and soca songs, generally, leave so much to be desired.

That's a personal opinion, even though I also feel that during or after every recent Mashramani, at least five or six pieces could be "salvaged" for year-long use on radio, in night-clubs, on national occasions and by local promoters of mass entertainments. Naturally, amidst the mediocrity there are always some good creations.

I can't use this limited space to develop and analyse the issue of the status of calypso in Guyana today. It's a subject I think about a lot both as an enthusiast and connoisseur of calypso for about five decades and my recent five-year close association with those who know how to create a complete song. Rather, I choose to direct attention to one use of the calypso and soca over the past ten Mashramani years. I refer to the intensification of compositions used to criticise the government in most unflattering terms. Accommodated under the "category" of social commentary, particular calypsonians choose to supplement the efforts of pro-opposition teleactivists in lambasting real or perceived government blunders or excesses.

Frankly speaking, believe me, I have little against these offerings if they are not unjustifiably libellous, scandalous, racist or inciting. I think they should be aired freely as they soon are discovered for what they are. Most are quickly forgotten after March month.

As the other party songs endure long afterwards.

My real grouse is that too many of these political kaisos, which may actually "win" competitions are repetitive, cliched with borrowed tunes and melodies of the past and, as I said, "forgettable." Mind you I like a good political calypso when it is pleasing all round. As in the offerings Rebel is capable of. Or, at times, Kendingo. Anyhow, expect more of the same for the next two months. Even Lady Stella has advice on the matter this year.

Mashramani! I backed this celebration from the original days. When the "state" made it compulsory for it to be a "success." I lauded Forbes Burnham and his vision of Carifesta. Alas, he influenced the character and tone of the Republican Mashramani celebrations too. Mass games and peoples parades turned off segments of the populace as mass worship of the leader sneaked in.

However, Mashramani as a festival and national institution deserves to be sustained and promoted. Even in the face of harsh fundamental criticisms from particular interest groups. They even include rebuke for the relatively paltry $16M the present government allocates for the central Mash events, as the Committee tries to woo increased Private Sector responsibility and sponsorship.

Now, as a member of the current Central Management Committee, my own support for the festival continues. I note calls for more diversification of "cultural" mix or character: Food festivals, Music festivals, more indigenous and continental inputs. These ideas deserve active consideration. And I can't help hoping for one celebration on Republic Day.

Private events are a right but divisive tactics mar the "national" intent of the festival. I hope too no more needs to be stated.

The Minister It's Gajraj time! Open season on an embattled senior Cabinet Member - at least from the opposition's perspective. Since this is my fourth treatment in as many weeks, of that functionary, never imagining, two columns ago, the furore he would have attracted, I'll merely ask his party if they've considered the following (even as the events unfold; I suppose the answer is obvious.

Do y'all realise that Gajraj will be blamed for all murders of everybody that occurred long before 2002? That the principal opposition protagonists will accuse your party of receiving "blood money" allegedly garnered from kidnappings and tortures, even if those abductors or their parents were actually "born-PNC." Or that the whole veneer of Buxton-based criminality; lawful defensive shootings of cold-blooded convicts and the management of alleged business-people-funded protection and enforcement will be heaped on your political doorstep?

As I surmised last week, it's only natural for the savvy PNC to internationalise the issue, demonising Gajraj in the process and stopping short of accusing your PPP of "Genocide" of innocent young blacks. Indeed an E-mail with linkages to the pro-PNC "Guyana Institute for Democracy" - the Ricky Burke New York GID, now circulating quotes Clarence Ellis as "encouraging the PNC ...to be very active" in demanding that their contribution in identifying Gajraj's replacement be accepted! Wow! Great stuff from my erstwhile comrades. That E-mail even infers that Stabroek News itself has actually called for Gajraj's resignation.Is Kit still available PPP?

Mash-Up....Or Down? 1) Would knowledgeable judges really be influenced by crowd response to certain calypsoes?

2) All sides have taken a shot at criticising the young President for choosing India instead of Mexico. To me, it was a choice of where to take the begging bowl. From all appearances firm "donations" were received from India!

3) I'm worried about our world boxing champions and contenders. They are being dodged and manipulated. Or discriminated against. Especially Vivian! Even Howard Eastman's opponents seem willing to duck.