With the Mash celebrations still in the air, persons in Berbice commented on how they spent the day.
Dequawn Semple, teacher:
‘I did not go to Georgetown to celebrate Mash this year because I was busy with work from college. But from what I heard, it was fun. Region Five had its day of fun though, with many revellers on trucks that drove through West Berbice playing loud music. I was a part of that motorcade that ended at Mahaicony. From what I experience1d, it was a lot of fun. I think I would have enjoyed it more in Georgetown though because the floats I saw on television were way better than last year.’
Freddie Persaud, well-driller
‘I think the Mash celebration was better this year than all the other years. To me, every year it is getting better. I did not go to Georgetown but I watched it at home on television and I enjoyed it even more. I am glad that the government is doing such a good job with organizing such a spectacular event. I am proud of the government for the other developments that I have seen in the country over the years. I like Mashramani because it is a time when all the races get to showcase their talents and their culture. I was also happy to see that Region Five had its own fun with the trucks and some of the revellers prancing on the road. I would definitely be going to the Mash in New Amsterdam with my family.’
Sunita Persaud, businesswoman
‘I always enjoy Mash and even though I do not go to Georgetown to see the floats, I look forward to seeing all the lovely pictures in the newspapers. I do not miss the celebration in New Amsterdam though. In fact, my husband sets up his photography booth on that day and I’m always there. I’ve seen some of the floats on display and they look really nice. I also wish that some of the floats from Georgetown would be here to make the event even bigger.’
Trevlon Isaacs, road work in interior
‘I did not go to Georgetown for Mash but I watched it on television. The designers did a great job with the floats, especially the ones depicting the Guyanese folklore. I was also happy that I got to see persons in Region Five passing through the villages and having a good time and entertaining everyone. At least it made the place lively and made it look like Mash.’
Junior Pompey, machine operator/ driver
‘I think Mash was really good this year. It has grown from strength to strength each year and I’m hoping that next year it would be even better. I don’t miss the celebration in Georgetown and this year we got up early and my fiancé cooked up nice food for us to take along. We had a nice picnic as we watched the floats pass by. I really enjoyed myself and I can’t wait for another Mash again. The day before Mash I had to double up my work so I can get to go. To me it was better than last year because there was more security and there was no fighting or accident; everything went incident free. I am planning to go to New Amsterdam this year again. I don’t like to miss out on the fun. My favourite float was the one with the mermaid that came from Region Five.’
Devika Seeram, domestic worker
‘This year I think Mash was nice and I enjoyed seeing all of the beautiful floats on television. I think this year was better than last year. We had such a good time just staying home and watching it live. It was a real treat watching person on the trucks and on the road dressed in costumes and passing through the villages. That was good entertainment and at least we got the feeling of Mash. I am thinking of going to New Amsterdam to be part of the action if I get company.’
Seeranie Munshie, student
‘I watched the floats on television with my family and I was very excited when I saw the lovely designs. I never went to Georgetown for Mash but I would like to next year. Our school had a Mash tramp on the road. We also took part in dances at the children’s costume competition. The students did really well; they have a lot of talents. I think next year I would participate if I am brave enough by then.’
Tiffany Subryan, salesgirl
‘Mash this year for me was very nice and exciting. I spent it at home but I was still entertained by the live coverage on television. The participants dressed nice; I loved their costume and the floats. I wish if I was there in Georgetown to see all the floats up close. I was kind of disappointed that I did not get to go but hopefully I would not miss it next year. I heard New Amsterdam would have their celebration this weekend (last) so I would be going with my friends and family.’
Ally, goldsmith
‘I did not get to go to Mash this year because I was busy with work. I heard from persons who went that it was really good and I would have liked to go too if I had the chance. I want to experience it for myself. Next year I would try to organize with some of my friends to go. I would normally watch the action on television but it would be better if I can be a part of it.’
Samantha De Freitas, nurse
`Mash for me this year was really enjoyable. It’s always a good time for me because it is about celebrating our republic anniversary. I had a great time being the Mash queen for the Region Five float. Although the float was big and heavy, I was proud to display it and I thank the revellers for supporting me. It is not all about work, we can have fun too. This is the second time I displayed the float. The first time was in 2011 but I did not enjoy that one so much because we didn’t have costumes. This year the regional chairman and the Mash committee ensured everything was in place. Generally, I had a good time on Mash day. I enjoyed the other floats too. On Monday I was given a rest day. Even though the float was big and heavy I enjoyed it. The region got a first and a second.’
