Republic Guyana at 52
GUYANA CHRONICLE Republic Day Supplement Wednesday, February 23, 2022
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Resolute in building our One Guyana
HAPPY MASHRAMANI 2022!
See inside: • •
The gradual return of Mashramani Celebrations beyond the borders
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Republic Day Supplement, Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Celebrations beyond the borders - flurry of activities planned for Guyana’s 52nd Republic Anniversary in New York
Everyone will be engaged! Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, and senior government officials intend on engaging persons from all walks of life during their visit to New York
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, and former Prime Minister and Mark Phillips, is greeted by a President of Guyana, Samuel Hinds, join hands with persons for words of prayers Guyanese living in New York THOUGH restricted to some innovative ways to celebrate the Accompanying Prime Min- the United States of America, gressively include the diaspora in extent by the pervasive COV- country’s milestone. ister Phillips are Minister of Samuel Hinds, will also be join- national development,” the OfID-19 pandemic, Guyanese at As an impetus for those Local Government and Regional ing local officials at the planned fice of the Prime Minister posted home and abroad are enthu- living abroad to join the celebra- Development, Nigel Dharamlall; events. on its Facebook Page. siastic to celebrate Guyana’s tions and feel closer to home, Minister of Public Service, Sonia “The PM and team are exWhile in New York, the team 52nd Republic Anniversary. Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Parag and Foreign Secretary at pected to participate in a series will be engaging Guyanese in the With a gradual shift to some Mark Phillips, has led a team to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of diaspora engagement activi- diaspora on various aspects of level of normalcy after two years New York, where there will be and International Co-operation, ties as part of a commitment of Guyana’s development, and how of “confinement” due to the a series of diaspora engagement Robert Persaud. the PPP/C [People’s Progressive they could actively contribute. pandemic, persons have found activities. Guyana’s Ambassador to Party/Civic] government to ag- This is in keeping with a promise
by the government to be inclusive and accommodating to the diaspora community which has an important role to play in the advancement of its homeland. The team attended its first event, an evening of culture, at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center in Queens, New York, on Tuesday.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Republic Day Supplement Wednesday, February 23, 2022
‘Republic’ Guyana at 52 - a country on the cusp of economic transformation fuelled by O&G, diversified sectors met in the shortest possible time, and that the long-term economic wellbeing of the country is protected and safeguarded at all times. In moving forward, there will also be deep consideration of Guyana’s unique position as a global champion of environmental preservation and at the forefront of oil and gas development. Speaking at Guyana’s recently concluded flagship International Energy Con-
President Dr. Irfaan Ali GUYANA is at a turning point in its history, as the country, 52 years after becoming a Republic Nation completely free from the bondages of colonial times, is on course to becoming an economic powerhouse with its lucrative oil resources that are expected to be used to fuel the diversification of the local economy. At a time when the global economy is plagued with myriad uncertainties, Guyana remains one of the fastest growing nations in the world, with projected growth of 49.7 per cent this year, according to the latest edition of the World Bank’s “Global Economic Prospects.” Based on the World Bank report, Guyana is the only country in Latin America and the Caribbean which is expected to record double-digit growth this year. Even further, the January 2022 report now estimates a 2023 growth of some 25 per cent for Guyana, as opposed to the previously predicted 23 per cent. And, even this projection could very well be revised in the coming months. Growth in the local economy, according to the Government of Guyana, will be driven by increased production in the country’s burgeoning oil and gas sector and projected improvements in the performances of traditional mining and construction. Based on Budget 2022, the government intends to enhance its approach to stimulating growth in various economic sectors. Moving ahead, growth this year would be primarily driven by the operationalisation of ExxonMobil’s second floating production storage and offloading
(FPSO) vessel, the Liza Unity. In 2021, a total of 42.7 million barrels of oil were produced compared with 27.2 million in 2020. Outside of oil, non-oil growth, this year, is expected to be driven mainly by rebounds in rice growing and gold mining, and continued expansion in construction activity and wholesale and retail trade and repairs. “Looking ahead, the future will be a period of strong economic growth which will moderate into the medium term. We will continue to be vigilant in our efforts to address supply side constraints in the near term, especially given the pre-existing presence of imported inflationary pressures,” Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh had said, adding: “At the same time, we will remain focused on preserving and reinforcing fiscal and external sustainability for the long term, including prudent management of the resources earned from our oil and gas sector.” Specifically, the year 2022 is set to go down in Guyana’s history as one of the most significant periods ever, with plans in place to inject some $552.9 billion into the economy through various initiatives that would rapidly transform and modernise the nation. This sum, which constitutes the government’s fiscal plan for this year, is some 44.3 per cent larger than Budget 2021 and 36.6 per cent above total expenditure last year. “Even as we confront, head on, the formidable challenges before us, our government continues to work in earnest to advance the aggressive agenda for transformation that we had
previously outlined. At this moment of unprecedented opportunity for our country, we seek now to convert the bright prospects before us into realised national and individual well-being for all Guyanese. “In this regard, Budget 2022 has historic significance. Building on the foundation laid by the previous two budgets, Budget 2022 launches what will be the most rapid period of transformation and modernisation ever witnessed in our country’s entire history,” Dr. Singh affirmed. Supported by the robust institutional architecture that the government has established, Budget 2022 ensures that two complementary and critically important objectives are met: firstly, that the urgent development needs of the country are
ference and Expo, President Dr. Irfaan Ali said: “Our development trajectory attempts to strike a balance between economic development and preservation of the environment. Our development trajectory prioritises people-centred development.” The Head of State said that the revenue garnered from the sector, coupled with bilateral partnerships and investments, will be used to diversify industries.
He singled out the agriculture, manufacturing and tourism sectors as being among those that stand to benefit. One of the key areas in which the proceeds from oil and gas can contribute to bolstering the diversification of other industries is through investment in energy-generating initiatives. These can be used to drastically reduce the cost of energy in Guyana and the wider region.
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Republic Day messages
GUYANA CHRONICLE Republic Day Supplement, Wednesday, February 23, 2022
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic
ON the occasion of Guyana’s 52nd anniversary as a Republic, the PPP/C takes this opportunity to express best wishes to all Guyanese, both at home and in the diaspora. As we celebrate yet another national milestone of selfgovernance, we must feel a sense of collective pride at the state of our nationhood as it enters an unprecedented phase of transformative development. Following our party’s return to government, no effort was spared to advance our nation for the betterment of all of our people. The ongoing rapid and holistic national development, driven by our expanding and growing economy, will not only transform the landscape, but will result in vast improvements in the lives of all Guyanese. With every passing day, our promises to the Guyanese people are being fulfilled, capacity is being built, lives advanced and our country’s international stature continues to grow as global investors partner with us for the realisation of our potential. This is a manifestation of our people-centered approach, unwavering commitment to our people and visionary and responsible leadership by the PPP/C government. These are indeed exciting times for our country and people, and our party remains committed to continue working to enhance the welfare of all. While, at this point in time, our country is being reopened after almost two years of implemented measures to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional costume and float parade will not be held. However, this year, we have seen the gradual return of signature events of Mashramani – a heartening move that allows us, despite constraints, to share the pride that is imbued from the colourful and vibrant celebrations associated with Mashramani. The traditional splendor of the multitude of colours splashed to the pulsating beat of music, reflects revelry after hard work and our rich diversity that define us as a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural nation – a true reflection of the “One Country, One People, One Future” under which we campaigned and the “One Guyana” we endeavor towards. Fifty-two years ago, the attainment of Republican status heralded self-rule. As we reflect, let’s renew our commitment to collectively work towards building a Guyana we all desire and to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood. Let us work towards removing the barriers of division, recognising that we are stronger together, as we work to the collective aim of “One Guyana.” Our Party also takes this opportunity to commend the dedication and efforts of all involved in the various activities held across the country to foster the spirit of Mash. Happy Mashramani to all Guyanese!
The Alliance For Change
THE Alliance For Change extends greetings to all Guyanese on the occasion of Guyana’s 52nd Anniversary as a Co-operative Republic. Republic Day or Mashramani as it is more commonly known has become, for our nation, a time of celebration and taking pride in nationhood. Regretfully, this year, the traditional road bands and costume float parade have again been set aside due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, let us take the opportunity to remind ourselves that we are a strong people capable of overcoming any challenge that face us as a sovereign nation. The Alliance For Change reminds that we are a people, born of great sacrifice; our ancestors shed their blood that we may inherit this fertile and resource-rich land. Let us be resolute in our belief that this country belongs to all of us. Better must come!
GUYANA CHRONICLE Republic Day Supplement Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Republic Day messages
The People’s National Congress Reform
The People’s National Congress Reform is pleased to extend greetings and good wishes to all of the people of Guyana as we celebrate the 52nd Anniversary of our Republican status. On this 52nd anniversary, the PNCR believes there is no more fitting message than that given by its Founder Leader - and the main architect of our Republican status - Forbes Burnham, who, on the 9th anniversary of the Republic said: “…we, Guyanese, made the final and decisive ascension of our political and psychological independence by completely severing the remaining constitutional links with the colonial power. For us, the coming into being of the Co-operative Republic was the logical culmination of the struggle of independence initiated over 200 years ago by our national hero Cuffy in Magdalenenburg, Berbice. But as I have always emphasised, political independence is not an end in itself. Rather, it represents an opportunity to create a society in which all citizens are assured of social and economic justice.” Today, with the country’s vast oil wealth, the achievement of that social and economic justice is well within reach. For the PNCR, the achievement of social and economic justice must first be driven by a heartfelt and continuous commitment to all Guyanese by their government. It must also be motivated by a genuine desire to deliver on the obligations to citizens enshrined in the Guyana constitution and in the international conventions on socio-economic rights to which Guyana is a signatory. As such, the PNCR takes this opportunity to sign on to a contract with Guyana to urgently create a society based on guaranteed political, social, and economic rights—such as those enshrined in Article 40 of the Guyana constitution which grants citizens the “right to a happy, creative, and productive life, free from hunger, ignorance and want.” Guyana stands at a pivotal point. Far less time than
The Ethnic Relations Commission
THE Ethnic Relations Commission, (ERC), extends Republic Day greetings to all Guyanese – citizens who represent many cultures co-existing in one country. The ERC recognises that 52 years ago, in 1970, an independent Guyana took the final step towards republicanism. It paved the way for the country to remove the last vestiges of colonial rule, and to freely retain the rich cultural heritage of its peoples. That heritage is celebrated and remains largely intact today, evolving in harmony and side-by-side with each other. The unique Guyanese nation is steadily on a path to further consolidate its cultural gains and freedoms as a Republic. The Commission fully acknowledges and supports this year’s anniversary theme promoted by the Ministry of Culture: “Mashramani 2022, resolute in building our One Guyana” which smoothly coincides with the ERC’s mandate. The constitutional body, therefore, calls on Guyanese to rally around this year’s message and to be free in spirit to attain togetherness. Our ethnic diversity remains alive and continues to blossom as one mixed collection. While activities for Mashramani have partially returned in the ongoing pandemic, the government’s scheduled programme of events, on February 23, gives credit to the important milestone; Guyanese are still able to bond, although in a limited way, to observe the Republic anniversary of their country. Happy Republic Day from the Ethnic Relations Commission!
another 52 years is required to create a society free of poverty, inequality, exclusion, and injustice. On this auspicious day, the PNCR recommits to the grand objectives of those who ensured that Guyana, on February 23, 1970, “made the final and decisive ascension of our political and psychological independence” and who placed us on a path of national self-determination and
reconstruction. On this day, we must also pay homage to all those who fought for freedom and independence over the centuries with great courage and great sacrifice, especially the Great Cuffy in Berbice in 1763, whose revolution inspired the choice of February 23 and who continues to inspire us today. Good wishes to all.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Republic Day Supplement, Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Mash 2K22: Celebrating the return of the spirit of Caribbean Carnival in Guyana
By Earl Bousquet
MASHRAMANI is Guyana’s unrivalled and rich, multicultural equivalent of a Caribbean Carnival –
costumed revelers jumping up in colourful costumes on streets, in gay abandon, to combined instrumental musical variations representing the vast nation’s
different, but common, national ethnic and other cultural expressions. Like everywhere, the objective is to celebrate a day of fun, but not in observance
of the uninhibited Christian festival that precedes the 40day Lenten Season. Instead, ‘Mashramani’ celebrates Guyana’s birth as a Republic on January 23,
1970, the name so deeplyrooted in Amerindian culture that its origins still remain unrooted, forcing legendary West Indies cricketer, Basil Butcher, David Singh and the other original organisers in Linden to adopt the adapted indigenous name. Fuelled by its popularity, what originally started off as a Linden-based celebration eventually expanded to Berbice and Georgetown, becoming an annual event looked forward to by Guyanese everywhere, of all walks of life and all different political complexions. ‘Mash’ is a different version of the same every year – people jamming to music with unlimited and unrestricted fun, food and (lots of) drinks, like there’s no tomorrow. In 2016, the celebration of the indigenous version of an original Christian cultural festival in a multi-religious republic took place on May 26 to mark Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary -- only to return to February 23 in 2017 -- until 2020. There are many similarities in how Caribbean carnivals are named: ‘Mashramani’ is said to mean “celebration after co-operative work” in keeping with the designation of the new nation as ‘The Co-operative Republic of Guyana’. In Barbados, the annual “Crop Over” carnival also celebrates the traditional end of the annual sugar cane crop, with its Kadooment – a variation that’s typically Bajan. The Caribbean’s Carnival Mecca is Trinidad & Tobago and today’s giant globallypopular festival has its roots in Slavery, when enslaved Africans also ‘celebrated’ the enforced Christian ritual of pre-Lenten festivals observed by their European masters. Carnival also eventually led to the Steel Band in Trinidad & Tobago (developed in the early 1900s) as the only officially-recognised musical instrument invented in the 20th Century. In Saint Lucia, enslaved Africans also adapted the end-of-crop and pre-Lenten Christian observances and developed the diversionary
La Rose and La Marguerite Societies -- supposedly honouring two flowers named after Christian saints, but actually using localised replicas of the European societal dress and symbols of power to spread revolutionary messages in their own languages, while dancing and singing to the beat of conga drums and music from indigenous instruments. The Rose and Marguerite Flower Festivals are still widely observed by Saint Lucians at home and abroad on August 30 and October 17, respectively -- their Catholic saints’ feast days -- when the churches island-wide dedicate special masses. Elderly Saint Lucians in Guyana, including the large community at Mahdia, still celebrate La Rose and La Marguerite festivals. Up to 2019, there was a carnival event somewhere in the Caribbean or the Diaspora virtually every month of the year, starting with the traditional Dimanche Gras and Carnival Monday-andTuesday events preceding Ash Wednesday, when, according to Christian tradition, costumes from the ‘pagan’ celebrations are burnt and the ashes crossed on the foreheads of Christians attending Ash Wednesday Mass, when the ‘Playing-Mas’ season gives way to the 40 Days of the Lent. While revelers spend an entire season ‘Playing Mas’ and ‘Jumping-Up’ and attending ‘King and Queen of the Bands’ and ‘Calypso Monarch’ events in Trinidad & Tobago every February, at the same time neighbouring Grenada’s carnival events follow Independence (February 7) celebrations with a special ‘Jab Jab’ element featuring mainly young men with skins dabbed in thick pitch tar – and some with live snakes too... Saint Lucia and other islands, decades ago, tied their carnivals to tourism and shifted the celebrations to July, largely for economic reasons – a move Christian churches have faulted for declining interest (in those countries) in Ash Wednesday observance and the TURN TO PAGE 11A
GUYANA CHRONICLE Republic Day Supplement Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Republic Day messages
The High Commissioner of India, Dr. K J Srinivasa
Namaste. Warm Greetings to all brothers and sisters of Guyana. On this special day of the 52nd Republic Day anniversary celebrations of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, let me convey, on behalf of the Government and people of India and my team at the High Commision of India, the warm and cordial wishes of 1.3 billion Indians for the peace, progress and prosperity of the people of your beautiful country. India and Guyana have always enjoyed warm and friendly relations. There is a special place for Guyana and the Guyanese people in our hearts. Our nations share several commonalities such as multi-cultural societies, a colonial past, and strong democracies and, most importantly, the large Indian Diaspora that acts as an enduring link of friendship between the two countries over the last 180 years. It is delightful to see that our societies are well integrated with a strong connect to our rich heritage, traditions and culture. Our growing collaboration over the years has been marked by strengthening of bilateral relations on several fronts — from political to economic, from development cooperation to culture. As we embark upon a new year of bilateral relations between our two countries, we look to further diversify and strengthen our relations. Bilateral trade and investment, energy sector, human resource development and cultural exchanges, will continue to add new momentum to our ties in the coming years. Development partnership is a major pillar of IndiaGuyana relations. India has contributed to various projects in areas such as Infrastructure, Transport, Healthcare, Solar Energy, Agriculture, IT etc… along with ITEC programmes designed for skill development and capacity building. We
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union
The attainment of republic status now 52 years ago represented the final shedding of our colonial linkages and meant that our country was now truly independent. Though, we became a Republic in February, 1970 we remained within the Commonwealth of Nations – that grouping of former British colonies. This was a major step, following Independence in 1966, and one which was intended to be in the furtherance of our independent status and forging of our nationhood. With this step, a President, now elected, became our Head of State and this, with other Constitutional reforms, solidified our independent status. The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) salutes our nation on this important anniversary of Republicanism but takes a sober look at where the Republic stands nearly half a century on. No doubt we made strides in various socio-economic aspects during this time but, we contend, that the economic transformation whereby the masses of Guyanese could experience fully the result of development is still to be achieved. To this day, the economic struggle for a reasonable standard of living continues. Also, GAWU recognises that disunity is still among our several vexing realities and, we believe, impacts our society, and contribute to a slowing down of our country’s progress. We urge our leaders, at this time, to recognise this deficit in our society and to consider, in a matured, responsible way, the need to forge unity which is generally recognised as desirable. TURN TO PAGE 11A
remain committed to continue supporting Guyana’s developmental goals and underline our willingness to work with Guyana on projects of its interest and priorities. We look forward to further strengthening our bilateral ties and people to people relations with Guyana. We hope that this Mashramani celebration
heralds a new post-pandemic beginning for Guyana. India continues to stand with Guyana for its progress and development. I, once again, extend my warm greetings to the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and to the people Guyana. Thank you. Dhanyawad
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Republic Day Supplement, Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Mashramani 2022: Resolute CONTENDING with the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic has been the order of the day for Guyanese and people the world over, for the past two years. The necessary restrictions
instituted to curb the spread of the virus have affected the way persons socialise daily and celebrate special occasions. And although the virus is still within our midst, Guya-
GUYANA CHRONICLE Republic Day Supplement Wednesday, February 23, 2022
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in building our One Guyana
nese have found innovative ways to ensure that the spirit of Mashramani and Republic Day does not evade us. Delano Williams, the Department of Public Information and the
Guyana Defence Force captured the subtle return of commemorative activities Guyanese have grown to love.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Republic Day Supplement, Wednesday, February 23, 2022
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Republic Day Supplement Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Celebrating the return... The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union
FROM PAGE 6A following Lenten Season leading to Easter. And in between island carnivals are the celebrations by Caribbean nationals in the Diaspora – from ‘Notting Hill Carnival’ in London to ‘Labor Day Jam’ in New York to ‘Mardi Gras in New Orleans’ to ‘Toronto Mas Parade’ – and now, with Caribbean nationals of Chinese origin and Caribbean students in China also organising annual carnivals in both the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Taiwan. For two years, carnival revelers worldwide were forced to painfully endure stay-at-home and social distancing protocols after all brands -- Ole Mas, Jumpup, Parang, Crop Over, Kadooment, Jab-Jab, Flower Festivals, et al -- including Mashramani -- were struck-off the annual national cultural calendars by COVID-19 in 2020. But 2022 is here and with-or-without much care about whether ‘Deltacron’ is a real illness or a cultivated curse, or whether Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine’s Day, revelers across the region sound and seem determined to hit the road on Carnival Day -- whenever, wherever... But still, not so fast, as
some Caribbean governments are also toying with new ideas for safe festive innovations in the COVID-19 era. Saint Lucia has a proposed ‘Vax Mas’, which, if approved by health authorities, will (hopefully) feature ‘only vaccinated’ revelers in a controlled ‘safe bubble’ environment. But most governments prefer to take more cautionary approaches that play to the public gallery while heeding the warnings and concerns of health officials by arranging online and hybrid activities mainly planned for home audiences. The COVID-19 carnival disruption has rubbed all stakeholders the wrong way -- bands unable to plan with big numbers, calypsonians and steel bands demotivated by slim state financial allocations and designers only to create for online display. But be all that as it may, though, like everywhere else, Mashramani 2022, while planned to go viral, is still virtually expected to spread the Guyana carnival virus on February 23, in a land of many races, religions and cultures, celebrating in whichever-what-way as One People in One Guyana. Happy Mash 2K22, Guyana!
FROM PAGE 7A As we celebrate our republic status, we recognise that our country is on the cusp of its greatest economic advancement in its postindependent history. It is indeed an exciting time as our people expect, quite reasonably, to benefit from the windfall associated with our patrimony. Alongside this development we cannot ignore the genuine concerns harboured in certain quarters. Undoubtedly, there is need to
balance our people’s expectations while keeping an eye on the future. We believe, at this time, our new-found wealth needs to be utilised in the interest of all Guyanese, and not a few, if we are to continue to consolidate our gains and build a stronger Guyana for today and tomorrow. Our observance of republicanism comes at a time when we recollect probably the most naked assault on our democracy. The stark attempt
to ignore the collective will of our people represents one of the darkest chapters in our country’s history. Indeed, it reminded us of the fragility of our democracy and the wicked attempts to secure state power. Though we will forever remain disheartened by the dishonest attempts, we again salute the bravery of the many ordinary Guyanese who stood up in defence of our country and its cherished values. Nonetheless, GAWU
calls on Guyanese not to abandon hope and unite and struggle for genuine progressive change. As the Anniversary’s Mashramani events take centre-stage, let us celebrate, but, bear in mind our responsibilities as citizens of our Republic to bring about enduring prosperity and all-round progress benefitting every Guyanese. A happy, peaceful Republic Anniversary and Mashramani 2022 to all!
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Republic Day Supplement, Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Celebrating a significant milestone
IT will be recalled that Guyana attained republican status on February 23, 1970, four years after it became an independent state on May 26, 1966. This is indeed a significant milestone, but it also provided us with an opportunity to reflect on the path we have traversed and the trials and tribulations we experienced over the five decades or so since we became an Independent Nation. To say that we are today a better society would be an understatement. The mere fact of being an Independent Nation, free from the dictates of an imperial power, is enough to justify our enhanced status as a people and as a society. Gone are the days when policy decisions which impacted the lives of Guyanese were made in Downing Street, London. Guyana, as a colony of Britain, was subjected to foreign rule. The British Flag, Union
Jack, the national anthem and coat of arms were not symbols of a Guyanese society but symbols of foreign power and domination. The Governor was Head of State and Head of Government. As Head of State, he represented the Queen. His boss was in London, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, later called the Secretary of State for the Commonwealth and Colonial Affairs. Under Crown Colony status, the Governor and the Secretary of State were extremely powerful. They had powers of veto and certification: conferring on the Governor the power to object to any law passed by the colonial legislature. Guyana went through several stages of colonial domination until 1966 when the country became Independent with the Premier becoming the Prime Minister and the Governor became the Governor-General representing the British Queen as Head of State but no longer
the Head of Government. Sir David Rose was Governor up to 1966 and following his accidental death, Arthur Chung succeeded him as a Governor-General and then after the conferral of republican status in February 1970 became the Ceremonial President. Forbes Burnham became the Prime Minister and later, in 1980, the Executive President with full powers. It is important to draw some lessons from our past, if only to demonstrate what can go wrong, when the norms of democracy and democratic rule are absent from the governance structure of the society, and while the role played by Britain, in the granting of both Independence and republican status, based on ideological and Cold War considerations, cannot be dismissed. It was the complete rupture of the democratic fabric by the Burnham regime during the post-Independence period that was responsible for the social
and economic decline that the country experienced until the restoration of democratic rule on October 5, 1992. All of that is now history. We have moved on since, and Guyana today is a proud member of the Commonwealth of which the British Monarch is still the head. But unlike colonial times, Guyana is now an equal member of the Commonwealth of Nations. We have now gone past
the stage as a primary producer of raw materials for metropolitan consumption and we are now an oil and gas producing nation. And even at a more fundamental level, we are a sovereign nation and we owe allegiance to no other nation, large nor small. For this we have every reason to celebrate even though the celebrations this year, as in the previous year are somewhat muted by the COVID-19
pandemic. What, however, cannot be broken is the will and resilience of the Guyanese people as we strive to build a strong, prosperous and united society as envisaged by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. The “One Guyana” vision is both timely and necessary, especially at this moment of our history when there is that confluence of political, economic and cultural.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Republic Day Supplement Wednesday, February 23, 2022
The gradual return of Mashramani
By Rehana Ahamad IN a pre-pandemic world, February 23 for me is a work day; not just any work day, but my favourite holiday to work, followed by Phagwah. Although I’m almost always that friend you can depend on to be late, Republic Day is the one day you can bet on my timeliness and actually win. I’m usually up by 06:00 hours to load up my back pack with bottles of chilled water and snacks for the road. I then shower and get decked out in my brightest and boldest Golden Arrowhead colours, ensuring that my home and car are adorned with at least one miniature replica of our flag. I even compile an entire playlist to get me hyped on the way to work. This often features dozens of what I believe, are grossly undervalued songs produced by our local artistes, many for the iconic Mashramani song competitions in the genres of Calypso, Chutney and Soca, as well as steelpan. Since 2012, I have either provided coverage for, or have actively participated in, Mashramani, every year without fail. As an avid feature writer, the creative brilliance and exuberance that characterise the float parade and celebrations along the roadways are a treat to write about. That, coupled with my genuine and unwavering love for all things Guyana, often brings out the best in my work for the day. I vividly recall my first Mashramani coverage; admittedly, it was also the first time I felt a sense of appreciation for all that Mashramani is and was meant to be. Previously, as a child, Mashramani for me meant unnecessarily facing hours of the harsh sun to watch a few people dance, and then going home with a throbbing headache that would last all night. As I got older, my work as a journalist forced me to examine more than just the gyration on the streets. I began to notice the intricacies and the months of preparation and hard work that are invested in creating a single costume, or crafting the perfect theme, or even pairing the ideal tune and lyrics. The police would also have their work cut out to implement
Flashback: Persons decked in their colourful costumes gyrate to the dynamic beats of carnival music an effective security strategy for the celebrations. Myself and other media colleagues would begin to plan coverage for each activity, weeks ahead, and fortunately, I’m usually the one tasked with writing the “colour story”, which I believe is the most important of all the ‘Mash’ stories, as it requires the writer to paint a picture so clear and vivid that readers feel as though they have been transpired in the midst of all the excitement. Last year, the coronavirus pandemic deprived me of indulging in any of the activities that would have informed my colour story. On this day in 2021, I cried. In my moments of reflection, I realised that as Guyanese, we have grown so accustomed to being God’s favourite, that we were never able to fathom such a virus reaching our shores. Even when it was here, it felt so unreal, and even though next month will mark two years of us living in a world plagued with a plague, I know many of us have still not fully adapted. We still sometimes dive in for those big Guyanese hugs when we see our loved ones, and I know for a fact that, today, many of us would be tempted to “dash way de masks and gyrate like ole times.” But, even as I fully caution against this, it warms my heart that we are gradually returning to some level of normalcy. Although I was not in the thick of things like I usually am, I was ecstatic to see the 2022 song competitions being hosted in a physical setting. It warmed my heart that my friends in the music industry
were able to move away from the restrictive screens, and actually indulge and feed off of the excitement from an actual crowd, as against the hype and love we’ve been expressing in the comments section on social media. It is my sincerest hope and prayer that, by next year, with continued and growing numbers of vaccination, we would see the return of our spectacular Mashramani Costume Float Parade, so that our designer friends too can get back to inspiring us with their talents. They too have also been restricted for far too long. Plus, I eagerly await the day I’m able to cover yet another impressive Mashramani Costume and Float Parade. I believe when the time comes, I would have to shield my keyboard from the waterworks that are bound to come when I start writing my colour story.
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One of the many artistes who “set the stage on fire” during the recently held competitions
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Republic Day Supplement, Wednesday, February 23, 2022
A change in celebration - how the COVID-19 pandemic affected ‘Mash in Guyana’
FLASHBACK: Guyanese revelers doing what they do best, ‘repping 592’ and the Golden Arrowhead, the national flag on Mashramani day
IT has been roughly two years since Guyanese and people the world over started contending with the effects of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic, and, while it is customary, on this day, for persons here to line the streets and
revel to the sweet sounds of soca music and steel pan, under the tropical sun, in celebration of Mashramani, the conditions are not accommodating. Unfortunately, Guyanese will be spending yet another year reflect-
ing on the memories of previous ‘Mash’ days. On this much-anticipated day, the streets of Georgetown would have been filled with a kaleidoscope of colours and revelers gyrating to the sounds of soca music, but the entertainment this year is limited to electronic media and controlled outdoor activities. Under normal circumstances, Guyanese of every age, race, religion and creed would
Where it all began- scenes from the very first ‘Mashramani’ held in Linden in 1966, along Arvida Road now known as Republic Avenue
have “stepped out” in their costumes or their ‘Sunday best’ to ‘mash’ down the road and celebrate Guyana’s 52nd Republic anniversary. Not only would there have been eating and drinking, but also a burst of talent, as the festival allows designers, makeup artists, dancers, choreographers, masqueraders, calypsonians, chutney artistes and soca artistes to showcase their skills. Local vendors would
also miss out on an opportunity to cash in on the demands of thirsty, hungry and sometimes tired ‘feters.’ Although this year there will be no float parade, Mashramani is still Guyana’s greatest national party and street picnic. It is not only an event for revelry, but one that brings together friends and families. Mashramani has truly become a national event that breathes life into the country, and
Guyanese at home and abroad look forward to participating in its celebrations. THE VERY FIRST ‘MASH’ Mashramani is an Amerindian word which means “celebration after co-operative work.” In 1966, when Guyana became an independent nation, the first-ever Mashramani celebration was held in the mining town of Linden and was dubbed the TURN TO PAGE 15A
In the year 2020, Guyana celebrated its 50th Jubilee Republic Anniversary and revelers, both young and old, took to the streets of Georgetown in celebration
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Republic Day Supplement Wednesday, February 23, 2022
A change in celebration... FROM PAGE 14A
Independence Carnival. However, in 1970, when Guyana became a republic, a newly formed committee later changed the name to Mashramani. The unique namechange only added to the excitement for residents as the first ‘Mash’ on February 23, 1970 is said to have pulled one of the largest crowds in
Linden. The event saw thousands of outsiders swarming the mining town to have a taste of the experience. After realising how much attention Mashramani was getting, a government official had several discussions with the Jaycees Republican Committee, the committee which was formed to organise
‘Mash’ in Linden, to take the event to the capital city, Georgetown. Approval was then granted by the then President, the late Forbes Burnham for Mashramani to be a national event for the republic celebra-
tion. The approval saw ‘Mash’ activities rotated among Linden, Berbice and Georgetown. THE COVID-19 EXPERIENCE Despite not being able to revel in the streets, Guyanese were still able to make
the best of this year’s Mashramani celebrations, with the hosting of the Miss Mash Pageant, The Soca, Chutney and Calyspo monarchs and a few other events that were hosted under strict COVID-19 guidelines.
And while the country has returned to some level of normalcy with the official lifting of the national curfew, persons are still advised to adopt a responsible behaviour when socialising outside of their homes.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Republic Day Supplement, Wednesday, February 23, 2022