The
Amerindian word is said to be Mashirimehi, which means "Co-operative
effort"
The
search for a name to replace Carnival began and it was suggested
by Basil Butcher that an Amerindian name be chosen. This was agreed
to and several individuals including Mr. Allan Fietdkou, an Amerindian,
were contacted.
Mr.
Fietdkou held discussions with his grandfather who explained a
type of Festival that was held by Amerindians whenever they gather
to celebrate a special event. This event he said was like "Muster
Many" and sounded in Arawak like Mashramani.
Steps
were taken to confirm this. Adrian Thompson concluded that since
no one could have confirmed or denied that the Arawak work for
Festival was Mashramani, then the Festival could be called Mashramani.
On
February 23rd, 1970 the Festival called "Mashramani" was
a huge success with people drawn from all Regions of Guyana to
Linden welcoming Guyana's Republic Status with over three days
of frolic and fun.
After
witnessing the massive crowds, glitter and level of competition,
Mr. David Singh a Government Official held discussion with the
Jaycees Committee about bringing the event to Georgetown. Approval
was also given by the then President Forbes Burnham for Mash to
be he National Event for the Republic celebration.
Mash
activities were rotated in Linden, Berbice and Georgetown but
due to sponsorship, the Costume Bands contest remained in Georgetown.
Today,
Mash is one of the biggest events in Guyana. Thousands of Guyanese
look forward to this event yearly as opportunity to socialise
and spread their spirit and hospitality.