Digicel recently donated $1.5M to the Mash Secretariat to boost the 2009 calypso competition.

According to a press release Digicel Head of Marketing Donovan White said the company was pleased to partner with the Secretariat to host this aspect of the Mashramani celebrations.

Minister of Culture Dr Frank Anthony lauded Digicel’s contribution as an indication that the company is committed to developing Guyana’s culture. “Corporate Guyana plays a vital role in the development of our dynamic culture and we are always grateful when that is recognized,” he said.

Twenty contestants are expected to vie for the Calypso Monarch crown at Sunday’s show. The minister said this year’s competition will feature several newcomers “whose performances will certainly blow you away.”

Meanwhile, Digicel said its selection for the recently concluded Junior Calypso competition Tennicia DeFreitas placed third from a field of 11 contestants.