By Lakhram Bhagirat
Music trucks blasting sweet soca music and revellers gyrating their well-oiled hips is just one representation of the weaving of varying threads of cultures into the fabric that pays homage to Guyana’s diversity, as thousands of Guyanese took to the streets of Georgetown to celebrate the country’s 48th republic anniversary.
The streets of the city came alive as a sea of vibrantly coloured and glittering roisters snaked their way through, rejuvenating the cauldron of harmony known as Mashramani. The representation of various threads of the Guyanese fabric was much evident as the soca-drunk revellers made their way to D’Urban Park as part of the annual Mashramani Costume and Float Parade 2018.
This year, Guyana celebrates its 48th Republic anniversary under the theme “Let us Cooperate and Celebrate Republic 48.” In addition, the thousands of glitter-bathed revellers formed part of the 24-plus bands that participated in the annual parade.
The Public Telecommunications Ministry used their band to celebrate their achievements and identify their plans to bridge the telecommunications gap within Guyana and beyond.
Minister Cathy Hughes said she is ready to lead her band and conquer the crown once again as they prepared to smoke the competition. “We are highlighting the vision of this Ministry. (On our float) We got our fibre optic cable and you see our panels and we are going through the length and breadth of Guyana and we are providing Internet and connectivity,” Hughes said.
The Minister, who was leading her band, noted that her wish for Guyana is uninterrupted unity and positive prospects.
“My message is unity. There are so many great things happening in Guyana and Guyana is a great place to be today. I want people to not so much have a conversation about all that is not working and start looking at the glass as being half full, take the positives and let’s look at the positives this great country has to offer,” Hughes said.
Several other Government Ministers and Permanent Secretaries joined their bands as they palanced their way to D’Urban Park for the final showcase. Along the route beginning from the junction of Camp and Thomas Road, the revellers partied all the way into D’Urban Park where they have the last opportunity to impress the judges and spectators.
The Communities Ministry used their band to highlight solid waste management, promoting the practice of reusing, recycling and reducing. They also used the opportunity to distribute garbage receptacles to the patrons that lined the streets to promote their anti-littering policy.
It was observed that Guyana Telephone Telegraph (GTT) was the only major Private Sector organisation participating in the annual float parade. With over 200 revellers and three sections – “Emerald Bliss”, “Tanzanite Flame” and “Lapis Lazu” – GTT was one of the biggest bands on the road, during the annual Mashramani and Float Parade.
This year, the telephone company collaborated with Pulse Entertainment to create its band, Amazon Gems and GTT’s Marketing Consultant Samantha Gooden said it was a smooth partnership. She noted that the collaboration happened because of the reputation Pulse Entertainment has but added that they pushed them to work harder.
Local designer Olympia Small-Sonaram designed the telephone giant’s band and joining the revellers wasChief Executive Officer of GTT, Justin Nedd, who said the band is a representation of the celebration after the hard work, truly embodying the essence of Mashramani.
“This is about GTT getting into the hearts and minds of Guyana and really supporting culture because we believe it is important for companies like GTT to show that we are for Guyana and we are for Guyanese…this is us giving back to Guyana,” Need noted.
Guyana Times International caught up with Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton who dubbed the parade a success, noting that the turnout is much larger. While leading his band, he expressed gratitude to the Guyanese people for turning out in their numbers to celebrate Republic Day.
As usual, thousands of spectators lined the streets of Georgetown to get a glimpse of the floats as the revellers put on a show for them. Spectator Cassandra Nauth related that she is proud of her Guyanese heritage and harmonious spirit.
“I just wish that we all could come together like this on a daily basis and celebrate each other. We all need love and harmony. I am amazed by the bright colours and the costumes are amazing,” she said.
Another spectator, Mellisa Persaud, said she is happy to be back home from New York, adding that she is extremely proud to introduce her culture to her friends.
Over at D’Urban Park, the bleachers were packed to capacity as the floats made their way into the arena during the late afternoon hours.
