Revelers from the Ministry of Human Services Mash Band parading through the streets en route to the National Park.
GEORGETOWN, Guyana--Georgetown came alive on Monday as Guyana marked its 56th Republic Anniversary with the annual Mashramani parade and band competition. Crowds of families, locals, and tourists lined the streets, eager to witness the vibrant floats and colourful costumes. While some revelled in the lively music and pageantry, others called for better organisation, more creative displays, and stronger participation from local artistes. Despite slower floats and a slightly smaller turnout than last year, the spirit of celebration remained evident as the parade snaked its way through the city.
Shortly after 2:00pm, the bands began rolling onto Vlissengen Road heading towards the National Park. Leading the parade was the Ministry of Home Affairs, dazzling spectators in vibrant ocean-blue costumes and spreading excitement along the route.
Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Waldron, expressed full confidence in her band securing a win. She explained that their float represented the organisation of the security sector and emphasised that security is everybody’s business.
“Our float is about the organisation of the security sector, but most importantly how security is everybody’s business. We are talking about unity, love and partnership where every citizen can feel secure in their communities – that is what our vibe is about at the Ministry of Home Affairs. I have seen some of the competition and Home Affairs got this,” she said.
The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development followed, lighting up the crowd in turquoise and yellow costumes as members danced along the roadway. They were followed by Regional Democratic Council (RDC) #5, clad in bright orange, yellow, white and red, showcasing eye-catching prawn props.
The fourth band, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, featured members dressed in blue and pink aboard a decorated truck. One of the larger and more energetic groups came from the Ministry of Agriculture, whose vibrant mix of colours reflected high spirits among participants.
Another sizeable band was the Ministry of Natural Resources. Members were clad in various costumes and displayed props representing minerals such as gold and diamond. Their float included a replica of the “One Guyana” FPSO. Minister of Ministry of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat explained that it was important for citizens to see what an FPSO looks like, noting its significance to the country’s development.
The Guyana Police Force also showcased a band, complete with mannequins dressed in police uniforms. Members wore the traditional red, blue and white colours of the police flag. Several Regional Democratic Councils participated as well, including Region Six, which stood out in vibrant red and green costumes.
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security delivered one of the more colourful presentations, with members dressed in blue, pink, yellow and orange. One float featured a large replica of a woman. Minister Vidya Persaud said the colours reflected the diversity of Guyana and the ministry’s representation of children, seniors, women and families.
“The energy out here is wonderful. So many families are here, and it is good to see all of these children. The colours speak to the diversity of our country and what we do as a ministry. I am very confident in my band because over the last few years we have been moving forward – we got second last year and the only way up is first place,” she stated.
Around 5:00pm, additional floats rolled in, including those from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Public Works, Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce. Private sector participation was also evident with bands from Banks DIH and Sunshine Snacks.
When the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport – one of the largest bands – made its appearance, the numbers were strong, but some observers felt the energy was lower than expected. Members were dressed in purple costumes as they made their way along the route.
Spectators shared varied reactions to this year’s Mashramani celebrations.
US-based Guyanese Carol Chesney, who returned home after 35 years to witness the parade, expressed excitement but also felt that more could have been done. “I am having a wonderful time. After 35 years I am back and enjoying it. The floats are coming too slowly and I haven’t seen anything immaculate as yet. They used to represent the organisations and display what Guyana is all about. We need to see more about Guyana – we need to see Guyana showing progress,” she said.
Pat December, another spectator described this year’s celebration as bigger and better.
“I am enjoying this year; it is big and better. Compared to last year, it is excellent so far. I like that all the races came together and projected what Guyana is. It’s about all six races coming together to celebrate this day,” she said.
Another spectator emphasised the need for greater unity and broader involvement. She called for schools and all ministries to participate fully and encouraged citizens to “stop dividing and just come together to make it work and let us have Mashramani again.”
A man from Portugal attending for the first time described the celebration as new and different. “It’s my first time here. It’s new and different. I’m hoping to see more parades and more people on the streets,” he said. ~Kaieteur News~
