Georgetown: As the date for the February 23 Costume and float parade draws closer various Government Ministries’ representatives gathered to further flesh out plans and confirm their participation in the 2017 float parade. They also discussed preparatory works to participate in the illuminated and decorative buildings competition. They were further briefed on the requirements to be part of the possibly the nation’s largest cultural spectacle for 2017. Specific focus was placed on the rules and regulations for the Decorated Buildings competition and the criteria for the Float Parade. The participants were also informed about the over-arching theme of the Mash festivities which is ‘Going Green’. This concept was illustrated by the Minister within the Ministry of Education, Hon. Nicolette Henry. For each Ministry the Minister gave an example of what ‘Going Green’ means for them. In the case of the Ministry of Public Health, ‘Going Green’ addresses the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and for the Ministry of Tourism the concept points to the promotion of eco-tourism. For the Ministry of Social Protection the ‘Going Green’ concept looks at the alleviation of poverty and for the Ministry of Natural Resources the concept brings to the fore Guyana’s lush forests. Minister Henry also updated the gathering on the events prior to the Float and Costume Parade on February 23. These events include the Mash Tent sponsored by Banks DIH Ltd., the steel pan competitions, exhibitions, and concerts. One of the main items discussed during the engagement was the health and safety of the revelers in the parade. In the interim, the Permanent Secretary – Alfred King has advised that the weight of the costumes be taken into consideration, the provision of water to keep the revelers hydrated and the use of comfortable footwear. A document regarding this will be circulated to those private and public entities participating in the parade.
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