The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport is revamping its traditional Republic Day programme and plans to include some of Guyana’s most
popular cultural ceremonies in this year’s Mashramani celebrations.
“This year we would be working very hard to have some of those ceremonies performed and explained so that people can understand the different elements of these ceremonies,” Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony said at a media briefing held on Thursday at his Main Street office.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, the minister said he is pleased at the progress being made in the preparations for the Republic celebrations. He also noted that the ministry has solicited the services of the convenor of the Essequibo masquerade band competition to assist with preparations for the national competition. This year, the ministry said the nation can expect the grandeur associated with Mashramani over the past 40 years along with a few more attractions aimed at showcasing the culture and talents of Guyanese.
According to the release, the HIV/AIDS song competition has been changed, at the request of the health ministry, to incorporate a broader spectrum of health issues facing Guyanese. It falls alongside the calypso senior and junior competitions and the chutney competition which are annual features of the programme.
Republic Bank has again come on board with the sponsorship of the steel pan competition set for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on February 13. Anthony said the sub-committee for this contest has already met and the music scores have been issued to all participating bands. Coordin-ator of steel pan within the ministry Andrew Tindyal along with four part-time steel pan music teachers, who have been working with several schools and communities, will be assisting with this year’s competition.
The float parade has gotten a good response from young designers who have already put on two exhibitions showcasing their designs for Mash using local materials. These designers have also offered affordable packages to companies participating in the float parade. The ministry has also afforded a tax exemption to designers who may need to import materials for their design concepts.
While the ministry has more than 25 entities signing on for the float parade, Anthony is hopeful that more companies will add their support. In this vein, he indicated that the ministry is targeting new, non-traditional companies to encourage their participation. Plans are also in train to host flag raising ceremonies in each region, in addition to the one at public buildings. Another new feature added to the programme is a ‘Republic of Guyana’ lecture.
GINA said schools which usually play a big role in the celebrations will be involved in competitions in art, literature and other activities. Desiree Whyles, convener of the children’s activities indicated that there will be participation from all the administrative regions at all levels. There will be costume, dance and masquerade, calypso and dramatic poetry competitions. The competitions at the regional level have begun.
