Guyana Education Ministry launches Mash band
The Ministry of Education in Georgetown on Thursday, Feb. 8 launched its 2024 Mashramani costume band with an exciting display and cultural presentation, under the theme: Blazing the trail of knowledge with transformative technology and inclusive education.
Decked out in red and gold full-bodied costumes, designed with a wire bending back effect showcasing Guyana’s Coat of Arms, and paired with head pieces of feathers, masqueraders dazzled in the sunlight on Brickdam Avenue, as they danced and waved the Golden Arrowhead flag of freedom.
Spectators applauded the sneak-peak of what is expected to be a kaleidoscope of colorful pageantry at the 54th Republic Anniversary, under the theme: “Celebrating Our Peoples and Our Prosperity” on Mash Day, Feb. 23.
Christopher Nelson performing an infectious calypso rendition during, the Education Ministry’s band launch, and cultural presentation on Feb. 8, in Georgetown, Guyana. Photo by Tangerine Clarke
Award-winning costume designer, Nelsion Nurse during an interview with Caribbean Life said he was pleased with the presentation, adding that it was easy to create the striking creations due to his long-standing collaboration with the ministry. He also observed what the institution has been doing over the past year and incorporated the concept to bring the splendid pieces to life.
Nurse, a multi-talented artist, told Caribbean Life that he has participated in various aspects of Mashramani, from a very young age. He competed in the calypso competition, as well as dramatic poetry and creative dance contests, coming full circle to now creating vivid costumes for the road march.
The group, 125 strong will vie in the medium band category showcasing the King, Queen, Male, and Female with high hopes of taking home trophies.
Nurse, who snagged the first prize in the Small Band Category and Best Designer Award in the same category in 2013 and 2014, for the ministry, is also a renowned beauty pageant creator who has outfitted Miss Amerindian Heritage, Miss Bartica Regatta, and Mr. and Ms. Guyana Talented Teen.
Danielle Holder of Graham’s Hall Primary School, reciting the dramatic poem, “My People from Grass to Grace” during the Education Ministry’s band launch and cultural presentation, on Feb. 8, in Georgetown, Guyana. Photo by Tangerine Clarke
Nicholas Fraser head of the Unit of Allied Arts, said the ministry has been winning the road march competition for some years now, and added that the band will be upping the stakes this year from the small band to the middle band category.
“The Ministry of Education stands at the forefront of a remarkable educational revolution guided by a vision to foster society with learning that knows no bounds,” said Fraser.
He said the cutting-edge technology in the education sector is reflected in the creations.
The afternoon’s exhilarating kick-off also featured the talents of the St. Roses High School Steel Orchestra, and Danielle Holder of Graham’s Hall Primary School, who presented a dramatic poem titled, “My People from Grass to Grace.” The ministry’s singing engineer Christopher Nelson capped off the program with an infectious calypso rendition, to set the commemoration in motion.
