It was as grand as ever
Editorial
Guyana Chronicle
February 24, 2007
Organisers, sponsors and all those who had an input in yesterday’s Mashramani goings-on had predicted that it would be bigger and better than those in recent years.
And so it was.
Brief showers in no way dampened the pervasive enthusiasm, as Guyanese of all political, ethnic and other persuasions in their colourful and imaginative costumes transformed the streets of North Georgetown into a riot of movement and kaleidoscopic hues.
It was truly a Cultural Invasion, to use this year’s theme, as an estimated 40 bands depicting variety of themes flounced their way through the streets, converging on the National Park brimful with contestants and spectators.
Spectators also thronged the streets along the route to the Park, sporting colourful umbrellas raised above the food and beverage providers.
Probably the most interesting feature of this year’s Mash was the much anticipated clash between the cellular giants, Digicel and GT and T.
These two competitors were over the past few days squaring on the cellular market here, with lavish advertisements in the local media.
Yesterday their explosive red and blue costume bands were highlights at the parade, Digicel’s Firestorm and GT and T’s Blue Power vying for supremacy with their stark primary colours, each striving to catch the judges’ eyes.
This dramatic confrontation was an extension of that waged in the media and the respective outlets of the cellular giants, as they sold phones and reduced prices and offered incentives with abandon, much to the delight of the consumer.
We have shown the world that after conducting free and fair elections, and throwing verbal brickbats and bouquets during our budget debate in parliament, we can come together in a national celebration and show off our artistic creativity in a cultural extravaganza.
There was one other new aspect of yesterday’s parade.
Christian churches got together and presented floats on the Ark of the Covenant and the Bible. The Christians had explained that their aim was to show that Mashramani could be celebrated in a restrained manner so as not to offend with revealing costumes and suggestive choreography.
It truly was a grand affair.
And it was testimony to our willingness to work together, and to get about improving our country and, in the process, ourselves.