This week we asked the man and the woman in the street to share with us their expectations for Mashramani 2011. Their responses follow:
Interviews by Tiffny Rhodius and Frances Abraham,
with photos by Abigail Semple
Osbert Benjamin, GTI student – ‘I’m looking forward to lots of entertainment. Mash must be `hype’ and bigger and better than last year.’
Obeki Sobers, GTI student – ‘I expect a greater turnout than last year. People should participate more in the floats, even I would have wanted to join the Carib band but I have to work.’
Shaka Drennon, GTI student – ‘I expect a lot of artistes coming to Guyana for better entertainment and more people to participate in the costume competitions. I would also like to see bigger floats and more Guyanese out enjoying themselves.’
Chris Dawson, trader – ‘I’m looking forward to seeing much more business entities participating in this year’s Mash celebrations and better costumes. I also want people to have clean fun because you tend to find a lot of robberies occurring on Mash day and I want celebrations to go a bit later this year, probably around 10-11 pm. People invest a lot of money and they should see the returns.’
Steve Williams, student – ‘I expect it to be bigger this year with more floats and competitions. I’m excited about the events leading up to Mash and I will be in the streets come February 23.’
Tenisha Stuart, UG student – ‘I would like to see more participation from government and private sector and a lot more costume variety. In terms of the day of the parade, I would also like to see more security out on the road to reduce the robberies against people and vehicles. I would also like to see more schools involved in Mash. A special fund should be set aside to allow all schools to participate.’
Kesha Boodie, UG student – ‘I am looking forward to a soca artist being a part of the parade on Mash Day. I am also looking forward to the shows that will be held during Mash time. I would especially like to see Machel Montano again as well as Alison Hinds perform for one of the Mash shows.’
Kizzey Reece, student – ‘I’m looking forward to fun, excitement and lots of people coming out to perform as well as everybody participating in all the activities that they will have this year so that it will be a memorable event.’
Keshawn Lucas, teacher – ‘I am looking forward to a productive Mash and I hope that people come out and support the floats. I think that more private entities should get on board to make this a big and better Mash.’
Meyanka Wilkson, housewife – ‘I am looking forward to the many parties that will be on around this time and clean fun. I would like to see Machel Montano perform this year and I will definitely be going to the Destra show coming up. I think they should bring more soca artistes as well. But I also want to see more creative costumes and I hope everyone enjoys themselves and has clean fun.’
