MOAA’s Float captures 2nd place at Mashramani Celebrations

- Float signifies protection of forests.

The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs romped off with the Second-Place Award as Best Float for the Small Category during the Mashramani Float Parade in celebration of Guyana’s 40th Republic Anniversary on February 23, this year. Mashramani is an Amerindian word meaning celebration after hard work.

The celebrations saw 50 revelers from the Ministry marching down the streets of Georgetown making their way into the National Park, Georgetown as the joined thousands of participants from Government Ministries and Agencies, and the private sector.

The Float depicted climate change and its effects on the environment with the theme “The Forest Must Stay.” This was in keeping with the Low Carbon Development strategy (LCDS).

The float signifies the unwavering support of the Ministry to the LCDS with its theme advocating the message that if there is no forest, there will be no breathable air and ultimately, the end of life. It is the Ministry’s strong statement on the urgent need to preserve our forest and therefore mitigate the effects of Climate Change.

In front of the Float the world is visible and attached to it, a nose and leaves signifying the need for the world to breathe better with the preservation of the rain forest. On the left of the costume there was an illustration of global warming with the rapid melting of ice bergs by the rays of the sun depicted on the right side of the costume. This was an indication that world is getting hotter.

The forest depicted at the back of the float stands behind three shields which symbolize protection of the forests.

The costumes of the revelers represented a spectacular outfit utilizing the fusion of various materials, glitters and sequins. These were all pieced together by hand amid a kaleidoscope of colours fused together by sheer genius and creativity.

The costumes were designed by well known designer Derek Moore.

This years’ Mashramani was celebrated under the theme “Embracing our Diversity, Celebrating our Heritage.”