Minister projects: Mash to be bigger this year
Guyana Chronicle
January 14, 2007
MORE colourful floats are expected to take to the streets on February 23 this year when Guyana celebrates Mashramani which is expected to be larger than in previous years.
The Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport’s Mash Committee recently held discussions with several designers to outline some of the plans for Mash preparations this year, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.
It reported that at a press conference Friday at the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, Minister Frank Anthony said a major area of concern for the designers is the high cost likely to be incurred in importing costume materials as a result of the Value Added Tax (VAT) system.
According to GINA, Anthony said the designers were assured by Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr. Khurshid Sattaur, who was also at the meeting, that there will be no pressure on them.
Activities, including calypso, chutney and steel pan competitions, masquerade and children’s events and many of the previous activities are listed for this year with a few additions.
The adult calypso competition will feature a special segment on HIV/AIDS. This was introduced through the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) and already 20 calypsonians have qualified, GINBA reported.
This segment will require a separate entry form and a new calibre of judges. Cash prizes up to $200,000 will be at stake.
Additionally, a Mash concert is set for Mabaruma, Region One (Barima/Waini), and Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro/Saparuni) which will include Soca, calypso and chutney performances.
Region Seven (Cuyunu/Mazaruni) will also be hosting Mash fiesta, children’s regional and calypso competitions, best kept school and buildings and a beach fun day activities, among others.
Many of these will be hosted during the annual regatta celebration in April which is anticipated to attract some of the visitors who will be in Guyana for Cricket World Cup (CWC).
The semi-final and finals of the chutney competition will return this year to Berbice and Essequibo, respectively.
Chutney Coordinator, Mr. Neaz Subhan said more than 20 participants applied to participate in the event.
Musical accompaniment will be provided by the Shakti Strings Orchestra and a special category of awards will go to participants who are credited as promising artistes, GINA reported.
Uitvlugt will be home to the masquerade band competition, an art form which the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport feels is losing its glamour and which it intends to revive, the agency said.
The Mash Committee, it said, recently hosted a masquerade workshop in Bartica and will continue this outreach in other regions.
Several companies and agencies such as Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and Ansa Mcal will continue their support of the republic anniversary celebrations this year, the agency said.