Region 10 Member of Parliament, Devin Sears, has issued a strong statement condemning the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government for its ongoing neglect of Linden’s Mashramani celebrations. This national festival, which unites Guyanese in revelry, creativity, and cultural pride, was born in Linden. However, the region has been left struggling with minimal government support for its Mashramani float parade in recent years.
Mashramani, meaning “celebration after hard work,” should be a time for all Guyanese to come together, regardless of political affiliation or geographic location. However, the absence of government participation and the inadequate resources provided to the Linden Mashramani celebrations have cast a shadow over the event. Sears emphasised that the lack of engagement is an insult to Linden, the birthplace of Mashramani.
“Since 2020, the Linden Commemoration Committee, through the Region 10 Regional Democratic Council (RDC), formally invited various ministries and state agencies to participate and support the event,” Sears stated in his press release. “Repeated letters were sent, and concerns were logged with both the Prime Minister and the President. Yet, the silence and inaction from the Government persist.”
Sears pointed out the stark disparity in government support for Mashramani celebrations across the country, particularly highlighting that regions with political connections to the PPP administration receive ample support, while Linden continues to be sidelined. Despite Linden’s rich cultural and historical connection to Mashramani, the region has been left to rely on limited local budgets, which struggle to cover the costs of floats, costumes, transportation, entertainment, and other essential elements of the celebrations.
“Private sector contributions from companies such as Banks DIH, ExxonMobil, Alya Construction, OneCom (formerly GTT), and a few others….have helped keep the celebration alive despite the Government’s indifference,” Sears acknowledged. “However, these contributions should complement, not replace, the government’s duty to ensure equitable distribution of resources for national events.”
Sears also criticised what he called a pattern of political bias, noting that Linden, as a stronghold of the political opposition, continues to be marginalised when it comes to government support. Mashramani, he reminded, is a national event and should transcend partisan interests. To undermine Linden’s participation in the festival, he argued, is to dishonour its roots.
“Lindeners must not be surprised if, once again, our float parade is significantly smaller than in other regions. But as history has shown, it is not the number of floats that defines our Mashramani—it is the people. The love, unity, resilience, and strength of Linden have always made our celebrations special.”
Sears urged all residents of Region 10 to come together on Sunday, March 2, 2025, to celebrate Mashramani, starting from Bayroc Junction to Retrieve Ground. He called on Lindeners to show the Government that their contribution to the nation’s culture and history will not be forgotten, no matter the neglect they face.
To support this call, a letter from Region 10 Regional Chairman Deron Adams was also made public. The letter, dated February 22, 2025, was addressed to President Irfaan Ali, formally requesting government assistance for the Mashramani celebrations in Linden and Kwakwani. The letter asked for support in providing resources such as floats, transport, and logistical coordination, which are vital for the success of the event.
In the letter, Adams stated, “We believe that the inclusion of these floats would not only add vibrancy and excitement to our celebrations but also symbolize the government’s recognition of the historical significance of Mashramani in its birthplace Region 10.”
The letter continued, “We kindly ask for the support and collaboration of the various ministries in making this request possible. Your assistance in coordinating the transport and logistics would be greatly appreciated and would contribute to the success of our Mashramani celebrations.”
It remains to be seen whether the Government will heed these calls and offer the necessary resources to ensure that Linden’s Mashramani celebrations are as vibrant and historically significant as they should be.
