AS the regions clashed yesterday to see who will be crowned the best at the Regional Children’s Mashramani Competition, the National Cultural Centre was filled with waves of excitement being emitted from the scores of children.
With lots of anxiety and wet palms, the participants at this year’s regional competition gave their best and their best was spectacular. Yesterday’s dance and masquerade segments were witnessed by a packed to capacity National Cultural Centre (NCC) with eager children, parents and teachers.
The Coordinator of Drama at the Allied Arts, Lorraine Barker-King, during her welcoming remarks at the NCC related that the Children’s Mashramani activities officially became the responsibility of the Education Ministry in February 1992. It was the task, she continued, of the Allied Arts Department to coordinate and integrate the expressive arts such as dance, music, physical education and visual arts into the school system.
She acknowledged all sponsors for this year’s competition, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited (GT&T), Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry and the Massy Group of Companies.
The coordinator mentioned that slated to perform on the first day of competition were some 86 registered groups. “You are in for quite a treat today as all our regions, all ten plus Georgetown, will wow you off your feet.”
While declaring the competition officially open, Education Minister Priya Manickchand reminded the children that this year Guyana is celebrating its 45th Republic Anniversary and this means “as a nation we are our own people.” She explained that much work has been invested into our country and now all over the world “we are celebrated, whether it is for our CXC performances or our achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.”
The Education Minister urged students “do your school work, pay attention to your teachers and with this you can take Guyana to new heights.” She emphasised that at these competitions, “we are able to bring to light the talents that our students possess, not only in Georgetown but from all our regions.”
Manickchand concluded by encouraging parents to allow their children to participate in the competitions as it will make them ‘rounded students’. “Children ask your parents to bring you out on Saturday to the Children’s Costume Parade, starting at Parade Ground and then to the National Park. Come out and support our children and teachers,” she urged.
As the competition rolled into gear Hopetown Primary from Region 5 (Mahaica-Berbice) stunned the NCC as they performed a piece, in the 5-7 years category, titled School Days.
In this year’s competition, compared to 2014, there were more entries in the masquerade category. This art form was feared to be a dying art form and the persistent efforts of the Ministry of Culture, collaborating with the Education Ministry, have somewhat revived it.
As the second half of the competition commenced the senior groups brought their ‘A’ game as their performances displayed admirable coordination and immense talent. The newly added ‘hip hop’ category saw many entries, showcasing the talents of the male students.
The competition continues today with Calypso and Dramatic Poetry at the NCC, starting at 9:30h sharp while the Costume Parade is set to kick off tomorrow from the Parade Ground.
Source: By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally – https://guyanachronicle.com/2015/02/12/childrens-mash-competition-clash-of-the-regions-fills-ncc-with-waves-of-excitement