Mash 2016 definitely on, more than 13 activities announced at launch

Nov 22, 2015 News

Mashramani 2016 is definitely on with many activities billed to be staged under the theme ‘Celebration of diversity, unity and sovereignty’.
The theme and schedule of activities were launched and presented with much

National School of Dancers move to the groove as Soca and Calypso monarchs Jumo Primo and the Mighty Perai sing on stage at the launch of Mashramani 2016.

show and colours galore on Main Street outside of the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport by Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, on Friday evening.
The night’s programme included activities that mirror what Guyana can expect come 2016 through energetic presentations of Masquerade by the Torch band from Linden, Tassa drumming from the Unity Tassa group, traditional Amerindian dancing from the St Cuthbert’s Mission dance troop and the Matapi dance from the Kuru Kuru College.
The African Cultural Development Association was also presented through its drummers and dancers from the Flame of the Hearts dance group.
Also forming part of the evening’s showcase was an array of high energy presentations from the likes of reigning Calypso monarch, King Perai; reigning Chutney Monarch Young Bill Rogers who searched for a Larki in song and ultimately reigning Soca monarch, Jumo Primo.
Primo made the crowd get on their feet as he delivered his energetic soca renditions. Most colorful was the dance presentation from National School of Dance that depicted the idea of Mash in Guyana’s golden year.
Nyitrageet dancer, Indira Ethwaru, easily commanded the stage with her presentation of a Kathak fusion that enthralled the viewers as she stomped the erythematic gungurus to the music from the loud speakers.

The Mashramani 2016 theme was coined by Plaisance resident, Jeremiah Duncan.

The Mashramani 2016 theme was coined by Plaisance resident, Jeremiah Duncan – a 17-year-old.
The Mashrmani events will not include an adult float parade on February 23 as is customary. That has been shifted to be part of the nation’s 50th independence celebrations. Minister Henry said more than 13 activities are scheduled to form part of the nation’s Republic celebrations scheduled as part of Mash 2016 observances.
The activities, according to the Minister, include the Children’s Competitions- which will start at the Regional level in January and move to the National level during the period February 17 to February 19 at the National Cultural Centre.
Those competitions will include dance, calypso, Dramatic poetry, Costumes display and Choral presentations which will culminate with the Children’s Road Parade on Saturday February 26 from the Promenade Gardens.
Mash 2016 activities, according to the minister, will also include Child Art Competition for Primary and Secondary Schools, Essay Competitions for Secondary School Children and Adults, the Junior and Senior Calypso as well as the Chutney and the Soca Monarch Competitions.
Another set of competitions, according to Minister Henry, is “the Bright up Guyana where we decorate, clean surroundings and light our buildings.”

National School of Dance students during their presentation at the 2016 Mash launch.

Additionally there will be special Steel band concerts in Linden, Berbice, West Demerara and the Botanical Gardens.
Other competitions are carded for the Steel bands in the Minor and Large band categories and masquerade.
Mash 2016 will also feature a concert for the Elderly, “where we treat the shut-in and differently able elderly folks.”
Photographic Competition and Exhibition and Exhibitions at the National Museum and Castellani House are also scheduled. On February 23 there will be a grand Flag Raising Ceremony.
Golden Jubilee planning on track
Meanwhile, the minister reminded those gathered that next year, Guyana turns 50 and the idea is to have activities span the entire year. That being said Minister Henry told those gathered that Mashramani celebration in 2016 is part of the jubilee year of celebration.
“The 50-year mark is a profound milestone for our nation, as it is in the life of any person, and any group of people. At 50, we come closer to wisdom about the people and things that are truly important to us, even as we acknowledge that we can live to 100 and still not have all the answers to life.
At 50, we look up to the ones who are older than us, and admire them more than ever for the grace and resilience with which they have passed through the same stages in life we undertake today. At 50, we look forward to the younger ones who may walk the same path we take today, except with new energy and towards new heights that we cannot yet imagine.
“Fifty is a time of deep humility about ourselves, honour for our elders, and hope for the young – these are truly cause for celebration!”
“2016 will be an opportunity to Inspire, Reflect and Celebrate and Guyana will be encouraged to look back on how far it has come as an Independent nation. “But turning 50 is as much about looking forward as it is about looking back. Just as the achievements of our pioneers and fellow Guyanese in the last 50 years fill us with pride, I hope we all are looking towards the next 50 years with a sense of promise and possibility.”
To celebrate GUY50, Minister Henry expressed the hope that Guyanese will celebrate not just all that makes its people one people– but also celebrate and build on the shared aspirations and common future that will keep the nation as one people tomorrow.
The Minister noted that “Just as we have built this nation through the collective effort of everyone, we want to create a celebration that is truly inclusive and meaningful. As we share our collective memories of the last 50 years, let our celebrations be among our first steps towards a common future for all Guyanese.” ((Mondale Smith)