As a part of Guyana’s 50^th Republic Jubilee Celebration, the Ministry of the Presidency – Department of Social Cohesion, Culture Youth and Sports hosted ‘Mash Village’ which ran from February 13^th – 18^th at Durban Park and provided an all-inclusive Mashramani experience for patrons. A number of events were scheduled from the super concerts including the Soca Monarch Finals to Fashion Fiesta, Craft Market, Food Courts, Children Fun Park and many more.

Veteran designer Ms. Carol Fraser, convener of the Fashion District within Mash-village, told Caribbean Entertainment Hub that it was her desire to combine local craft work with that of mainstream fashion designs. The nightly fashion shows saw many of Guyana’s talented young models taking to the runway to showcase designs from varying designers. Some popular lines included the work of the acclaimed Olympia Small- Suniram who collaborated with her 15-year-old daughter to create a Mashramani inspired line, Tandica Favourite, Maxi Williams Juliet Bernard and Ms. Carol Fraser who displayed pieces from her branded line ‘Roar’.

 

In addition to the acclaimed designers who used the opportunity to publicize their work, members of the craft community also displayed their craft pieces. Ms. Fraser organized it so that designers could be paired with craft creators. We saw craft accessories such as bags, slippers, belts earrings and such forth being displayed by the talented team of models. The craft items that were displayed on the runway could also be viewed within the fashion district tent at the various booths. The pieces generally stuck to the mash theme with culturally significant designs and even some Mashramani costumes that were brilliantly displayed by the hardworking young models.

The fashion district was brought to a close with a grand fashion show. The finale was hosted by popular media personality Mr. Stan Gouvia & Tamika Noel who delivered a great show with their brilliant comedic timing and quick wit. Also featured were many surprises including a guest performance by Gospel recording artiste Shawn English who further surprised the audience with a thrilling guest model appearance.  There was also a best guest model prize donated by the Ministry of the Presidency- Department of Social Cohesion, Culture Youth and Sport. This prize was given to a brave audience members who took to the stage to strut alongside the team of young professional models to the excitement of the crowd.

In a heartfelt vote of thanks the events convener Ms. Carol Fraser thanked the full complement of her staff including her backstage manager, her makeup artists and stylists. She also extended gratitude to the Ministry for allowing her the opportunity to share her love and passion for fashion with her Guyanese patrons and encouraged continued support for the field of fashion as she explained that there was a need for continued support for locals in the arts arena.

Patrons were then encouraged to be a part of the Soca Campfire that was the last item on the Schedule for the Mash-village. The Campfire was a cultural showcase of folk songs and games. The theme for the Soca Campfire centered heavily on the various cultures of Guyana. There was a talented line of DJ’s that played music of cultural significance including soca music especially from local artistes “one man band” with music that has become synonymous to the pre-wedding night ritual known as queh-queh a contribution from the African ancestry. The party went to the early hours in the morning as the organizing committee celebrated and brought the curtains down on the 2020 mash-village.

Caribbean Entertainment Hub wishes to congratulate the Ministry and all others responsible for this brilliantly coordinated event and look forward to providing further coverage to similar events