MPI launches 50th Jubilee float parade band

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure will be “100 strong” when it takes to the streets on Independence Day to participate in the annual Costume and Float Parade.

Under the theme, “Empathy”, the 100 MPI revelers will be decked out in gold, green, and blue with the hopes of winning the top prize in the full costume, medium-sized band category.

The band was officially launched on Friday May 20, 2016 and saw participation by Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, and Minister within the Ministry, Annette Ferguson.

“We’re going to be 100 strong when we turn out to celebrate on Independence Day,” Minister Ferguson said during the launch. She continued, “This Ministry will certainly have its full force out and is ready to capture that first place spot. We’re confident that after we have given our performance, the judges will be very impressed.”

She further shared that the band’s 100 revelers come from several of the agencies under the Ministry and the experience, she said, will provide an avenue for closer relations. “This a really great opportunity for MPI workers to not only have fun but to get to know each other during a celebration that is truly Guyanese.”

Meanwhile, Minister Ferguson also praised the designer, 28-year-old Nelsion Nurse, for his “splendid work” and thanked the Ministry’s Jubilee Committee for the long hours put into ensuring “that every stitch is in its right place”.

“Empathy” was chosen by MPI’s Jubilee Committee as the theme to demonstrate the Ministry’s consideration of and service to the Guyanese public over the past 50 years.

“The design is very strong so we’re going to be serious contenders,” Nurse said.

According to Nurse, the gold in the costume represents “jubilee”, while the green and blue represent “growth” and “communication”, respectively. He hinted that the “King of the Band”, which will be revealed on Independence Day, will showcase the services provided by MPI.