M. Edwards, self employed
`This year was the biggest Mash we’ve observed. It’s good to see Guyanese coming together to celebrate our diversity. It would be good if in the political arena, they can come together like this.
It shows we have unity in social events and it would be nice to see that in the political arena as well. I think too more corporate companies could have been on board such as Courts and Geddes Grant and other small private people.’
Thomas, private sector employee
`For me I think one day is not enough. We need to be more updated. It should be a two day celebration from night going into the next day. From Mash until the next morning and then get a day off because we need to rest off.
This year I think was better and what I am seeing right now there was not a lot of costumes taking part. Some of the good floats were Banks, Carib and Digicel was nice. But I had a good time between work and the day.’
Sayon Abrams, student
`This year Mash was good and it was much bigger than last year. The floats were really colourful and enjoyable but there was no really spectacular one for me. But overall, it was good.
I watched it on TV and I am expecting an even bigger turn out and more floats next year.’
Gordon Wilson, private sector
`I think it was great. The crowds were a bit larger than the last two years and the floats, many were better put together.
I was in the National Park and I think too that the entrance into the park was more organised than before. Seeing it come off the way it did, I think it was a success.’
Sandra, private sector employee
`I heard that it was really nice. I did not get to go because I was busy working that day. After what I heard though I plan on going next year.’
Henry Rodney, actor
`It was reasonable but I think it could have been better. I always come out and celebrate and I celebrate not only Mash but my birth anniversary. I remember I used to carry a costume for the Joint Services. I did it five consecutive times.
I think that the business sector needs to get more involved if we are to recap the glory of Mashramani past. In my years I have not seen a 500-strong band and in my time there were bands with 1000 people.
In those days when the floats entered the park, the revellers on the road had their choice bands to follow after the float left the park and the tramping continued until you can’t go no more. We no longer have tramping we just have people picnicking.
We also hardly see floats. People usually call the whole thing float but float is built on a vehicle be it flat bed or other and the vehicle takes it around. You hardly get floats and fully clothed costume bands.
This is where businesses fall short if you need to recapture the old days then all and sundry need to come on board. I don’t call jersey and glitter costumes.
Finally, the lots of people came out to the Mash but crowd size does not really speak volumes for Mash success. Being our 40th anniversary I would have expected to see all, private and public sector, coming out to mark the occasion.
Lataya Jonas, peer-educator
For what I did see I admire mostly the Digicel and GPL floats. I think this year we had a little excitement in it. Next year however there should be more people and floats with more colours. But overall, I enjoyed everything.
Esther Smith, private sector employee
Personally it was good but I think it could have been better and the floats could have been better. I only went out to take my daughter so she could experience her first Mash so she could see what it was about.
To me, Mashramani is not what it was before people have the wrong concept these days when people thing of Mash, they look at it as more fun and frolic instead of coming together.
Imelda Blue, overseas based Guyanese
It was good. A lot of the people were out and a lot of the floats were good. From my time years ago to what I saw on the TV maybe it was better.
Sharon Weekes, self employed
`I wasn’t on the Mash this year, I saw it on the TV but compared to the past six to seven years it was better.
There were more costumes and less jerseys and jeans. One problem I think is they need to address is barricade the route so that people will have to stand behind the barricade and the floats can pass more freely and other people get a chance to view the floats.
It was okay and they need to clean up the city and not leave the trash.’
