Mash 2019 was different in the right places

Feb 26, 2019 Editorial

This year’s just concluded Mashramani was different. It looked different; it sounded different; and it was different in the right places and in the right ways. In several respects, this was surprising, but welcoming. A quick look back is worth the effort.
From all the media reports, the celebrations were largely incident-free. It has to be a good development when neither serious drunk driving accidents, nor hit-and-run fatalities, nor alcohol fueled violence marred the festivities. At least, there were none of the kind that attract media coverage, or to those serious degrees that bring a shuddering.
Perhaps, Guyanese are learning to have good fun, while participating in the revelry, without going overboard or lurching into the irresponsible. A cheer should go up in recognition of sober mature partygoers.
Then, from Friday evening and onward in the run up to the midnight hour and the solemn flag raising moment, there was nonstop music, from all cardinal points it would seem. This continued on several fronts deep into the predawn hours, as in minutes before daylight.
There were two startling differences noticed in the menu of musical fare dished out. This year the sounds were a rollicking mosaic of the usual soca and Jamaican dancehall, with a sturdy presence and decent competition from the scintillating chutney genre; together they combined for pulsating beats in screaming overlapping crescendos.
This amalgam of artistes and toe-tapping, hip swiveling, and upper body gyrating beats lasted into late Saturday afternoon. The only gap was of a few hours duration when the sun came up; by mid-morning on Mash Day, it was all Guyanese and regional harmonies. Again, this was different from prior years.
From certain vantage points and listening posts, the volumes were present in loud pitch and reach; however, they were not of the overpowering, earsplitting decibels of old. Some discipline, good sense, and reasonable discretion seeped into the excitement; things were not allowed to get out of hand. This was both mature and responsible on the part of deejays and those who control event sand the usually demanding crowd.
Next, there was yet another aspect of the 2019 Mash that was encouraging, and which caused more than a few to pay attention. From all appearances, and several conversations, those on the scenes and involved in one way or another, reflected a broader and deeper presence of the diversity of this nation. From various reports from various points, the national ethnic kaleidoscope was a shade more pronounced. Where in the past, there was the void of silence, and for all intents and purposes a constructive absence, more Guyanese from across the ethnic spectrum turned out to do one of several things.
They came out in solid numbers to brave the heat and jam sessions and soak in the boisterous floats and parades; to sway to the seductive sounds; and to see or be seen. Not many wanted to be left out and miss out on the surging excitement.
From town and country, deep in the villages and massed at the road-heads, they were there. The weather was glorious with bright sunshine being the tone and hue of the day. From all accounts, it was a warm and warming time.
This is especially promising in view of the not insignificant fevers and hysterias whipping across atmosphere, environment, and the entirety of this land.
One and all should hope that it was not a Titanic moment; but that this year’s example could be improved upon with an eye to that special half-century mark next year.

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News