The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport is hoping to eliminate late starters in the Mashramani float parade, with penalties being instituted against the laggards.

“We are going to penalize people if they are not punctual,” Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony said at a media briefing at the NCN studios yesterday. He, along with members of the Mashramani committee, was at the time providing an update on the planned activities for the national festival.

According to the minister, several sub-committees have been formed to deal with different aspects of the celebration and he noted that some experiences last year made changes vital this year. He said that some of the changes have already been implemented.

Anthony said too that many steel bands were not in a state of readiness but close to 16 bands were being resuscitated with six new bands being created. He said a National Steel Band would be a feature in the float parade.

The minister emphasized that safety is paramount and this is being looked at. Citing the practice of persons dancing on top of huge speakers, he said this practice will also attract penalties. As regards the calypso competition, he said that there are already 20 contestants and rehearsals are ongoing. Anthony also said that “a major sponsor” has taken over the responsibility for the chutney competition.

Meanwhile, Coordinator of the Mash Secretariat Lennox Canterbury said that in excess of 20 floats are expected with two overseas bands also registering. He reiterated that bands need to be on time and noted that crowd control is a major concern. Mashramani is being celebrated under the theme “Let’s unite and celebrate in 2008″.