Countrywide participation at Mash 2007- Coordinator, Lennox Canterbury
• Digicel, GT&T, Ansa McAl among big winners

Kaieteur News
February 27, 2007

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After feverish work, lots of planning and innovative ideas, the 2007 Mash Costume Band, Float Parade and Road March have concluded.

A grand finale display on February 23, attracted thousands and involved religious organisations, regional entrants and business entities, who took to the road in a highly colourful and artistic display.

While some of those awaiting the Mash Committee's results will be smiling and celebrating, others may be sulking or if savvy, pondering on new ideas to make their presentations better, next year.

Commenting on this year's display yesterday, Mash Coordinator, Lennox Canterbury noted that a total countrywide participation was recorded this year by the committee. He noted that a remarkable sight was the increase in the number of religious entries this year, all of which were allowed to lead the Mash day procession.

Canterbury noted that because of the overwhelming numbers coming out to view the event, the parade was slowed because of limited space along the designated route. He also noted that the National Park was full to capacity, a factor that needed to be examined by the committee in preparation for Mash next year.

The competition this year was judged in two parts, these being the Mash Night held at the National Park on February 21, and the February 23 Mash Day display.

The Mash Night individual costumes were judged by a panel of five, while the Mash Day event was overlooked by fourteen judges located at four different locations along the route.

The scores for the event were tabulated and audited by the firm of Nazim Ali & Company.

While there has been much controversy among the supporters of the entrants for the Road March competition, it was related that Melissa ‘Vanilla' Roberts', ‘Queen of the Band' copped the top prize - being the song played most on the road on Mash day.

Though many opined that communication giants, Digicel or GT&T would have won the Individual King Costume category, Ansa Mc Al Trading Ltd. blazed a trail to cop the #1 spot. Digicel was second, with GT&T, third. Fourth position went to Beehaaraar Sweet Combination while the fifth spot was taken by the Local Government body.

Some expressed disappointment that GT&T did not enter the Male and Female Individual Costume categories.

In the Individual Costume Queen category GT&T soared to victory, with Beehaaraar Sweet Combination coming in second. In third place was Ansa Mc Al Trading Ltd. followed by the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport at fourth, and the Ministry of Agriculture, fifth.

Showing innovative creativity in the Individual Male segment, Digicel was the winner with Beehaaraar Sweet Combination taking second and the Ministry of Local Government, third.

The Individual Female honours went to Beehaaraar Sweet Combination, followed by Digicel and the Ministry of Local Government, respectively.

While much was expected from the massive GT&T contingent in the Large Full Costume category, Digicel topped GT&T, with the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport, third. Bringing up the rear was Ansa Mc Al Trading Ltd.

The Beehaaraar Sweet Combination shone again in the Medium Full Costume segment, beating the Guyana Revenue Authority, Ministry of Local Government, Chemical Corner and Bacchanalia, in that order.

The Ministry of Health displayed their true colours in the Small Full Costume arena, taking the first spot with much grace. They were followed by the Ministry of Education whose creativity secured them the second spot, while Ministry of Local Government again placed third. In fourth position was the Guyana Forestry Commission.

The Large Semi-Costume segment which was aimed at depicting creative beauty saw the ‘Body of Christ' taking the first place, with ‘Tropical Waves' in tow.

The Ministry of Agriculture beat the Guyana Agricultural Workers Union, for first in the Medium Semi-Costume category, while the Ministry of Local Government bounced from their third spot streak to place first in the Small Semi-Costume arena. Don Gomes Optical was second.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport dazzled in the Non-Commercial Floats segment, taking first place with Tropical Waves Production in second. The Guyana Forestry Commission edged a little higher, taking third place while the Ministry of Local Government settled for fourth this time around. In fifth position was the Body of Christ.

GT&T's ‘Blue Power' was victorious in the Commercial Floats category, with Digicel, Don Gomes Optical and Total Protection System, taking the respective second through fourth places.

While results for the Masquerade, Illuminated Buildings , Designer of the Year and other categories are still to be announced, Canterbury revealed that the presentation ceremony for Mash 2007 winners will be held on Wednesday, March 7, at the Umana Yana.