Last evening the final event of the Mash season was held at the National Cultural Centre where the winners in the various competitions were awarded for their outstanding performances and productions which made this year’s Republic celebration a success.

As is customary, in observance of Mashramani, a number of activities are held including song, steel pan, and masquerade competitions, art exhibitions, lectures, flag raising, children competitions and the much anticipated float parade.

Prior to the presentation of awards, the audience was treated to a few glimpses of the Mash celebration which included performances by the Chutney Monarch, Roger Hinds; adult Calypso monarch, Manoel  Perreira aka King Perai and a dance by the  National Dance Company.

In his feature address, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony dubbed the Mash season as the most creative period. “Sometimes we underestimate the power of Mashramani…it is truly the people’s festival because when you think about it thousands of people come together each year to make this a success,” he posited.

The Minister added that he is fascinated by the work produced by the people who are involved in the coordinating the activities.

One of the groups Minister Anthony acknowledged at this point was the Ministry of Education. Through the Unit of Allied Arts the Education Ministry coordinates a range of activities that attracts participation by students and teachers at the nursery, primary and secondary levels. Minister Anthony recalled the annual children’s parade which has grown tremendously not only in the turn-out but in the creative floats and costumes and in the quality of the dramatic poems and songs.

“I think at times that the children’s parade will be bigger than the adult parade,” Minister Anthony noted. He added that he was pleased with what he witnessed despite the rainfall. “This shows the power of culture,” he said.

Minister Anthony described culture as being beautiful because “what we take for granted is that culture is what defines us as a people and we need to transmit that to the next generation so what the Ministry of Education is doing is helping us to sustain our culture.”

The Minister also touched on the production of new music during the Mash celebrations. With regards to the calypso and chutney genre, Minister Anthony noted that these art forms need growth. One of the challenges is putting the music onto CDs so that the public can have access to the music produced. This aspect is critical in the marketing and merchandising of Mashramani.

While touching on the preparation of the celebrations, Minister Anthony emphasized that having the necessary partnerships are also important. Further, early planning is very important as well.

Going forward, the Ministry is working on branding Mashramani. In an effort to address ‘ambush marketing’, Minister Anthony announced that the Ministry will be registering and patenting the word “Mashramani”. As a result of that step, companies and individuals would have to seek permission from the MCYS to use the word in their promotions. “Once we straighten that out then the festival would be on a path where it is self-sustaining,” Minister Anthony explained.

These steps are being taken in the lead-up to Guyana’s celebration of its 50th Independence anniversary next year. These events would begin with the celebration of the 46th Republic anniversary.

Appreciation was extended to the Central Mash Committee, Republic Bank and the Guyana Police Force – A Division for their support.

At the end of his address, Minister Antony declared that “culture is a unifying force and that is something we should all treasure and we should all help in its preservation.”

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Alfred King highlighted that Mash 2015 was a success. For this he expressed appreciation to the Central Mash Committee. He posited that innovation, creativity and time are key components geared towards the improvement of the Mash celebrations, and will certainly have long term positive effects.

PS King noted that the growing involvement of sponsors is in fact a way of graduating Mash activities into the hands of the private sector. He recalled the resuscitation of steel pan music through the Republic Bank sponsored Pan-O-Rama steel pan competition and the Pan Minor. “This is a good model to replicate”, he said.

Further, the intent is to always do better by including everyone in every way, and at the same time continuously enhance the value of Mashramani.

Following the formal ceremony the prize winners were presented with trophies and monetary prizes for their efforts. This year saw Jomo Primo reclaiming the Soca Monarch crown for the third time while designer Olympia Small-Sonaram was awarded the Best Designer Award.

http://culture.mcys.gov.gy/culture-defines-us-minister-anthony-at-the-2015-mash-awards/