The theme for the 2010 Mashramani celebrations has been chosen and will be unveiled along with the logo during a launching ceremony on October 16, the Government Information Agency reported.

The winning theme was chosen by a panel of judges from the Central Mash Committee out of 292 entries from across Guyana in  a competition.

The theme had to be reflective of the spirit of the Mash festival, not more than eight words, and accompanied by a brief explanation. The winner will be awarded $30,000.

The Mash Secretariat, located on Middle Street, is up and running, with Lennox Canterbury as coordinator, the release said.

Next year’s Mashramani celebration will mark 40 years of Guyana’s Republican status and the central planning committee chaired by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony is working towards making the occasion special, the release added.

Committee members are drawn from various governmental and other organisations and have been meeting on a daily basis.

Mashramani day, February 23, is the highpoint of several activities that include masquerade, calypso, chutney, children’s steel pan and costume competitions, regional activities and flag raising ceremonies.