$200M spent on Mashramani floats; M&CC earns $13M from vending spots

The Government spent over $200M on Mashramani floats in 2026 to contribute to a successful celebration. This is according to Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr., who on Saturday evening said he is proud of the events’ growth while emphasising the need for continued investment and support for the local creative sector.

Speaking at the 2026 Mashramani Awards, held on Saturday at Castellani House, Vlissengen Road and Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown, Minister Ramson said the investment was aimed at improving the quality of presentations while supporting the creative community.

“Just for the sake of record we have spent over $200M this year on Mashamani floats alone… I am extremely proud, extremely proud of what I saw this year. We had four monarchs we ran off,” he noted.

Ramson noted that this year’s Mashramani was among the most successful to date, highlighting improvements in artistry, creativity and innovation displayed through the various events and float parades. He praised the dedication of staff within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and other contributors.

“These individuals, along with many others, work in the background to make Mashramani safe and successful,” he said.

According to Minister Ramson one of the key changes implemented by the government was an earlier release of funding to creatives and designers involved in producing floats and other elements of the festival. He explained that the initiative was introduced to give participants more time to plan, design and source materials.

The minister also defended the work of local designers and creatives, cautioning against public criticism that discourages artistic development. “We will never ridicule them, in fact, we will do the opposite, we will protect you, and we will fight for you and figure out how we can get better solutions for you,” the Minister noted.

Minister with the Ministry Steven Jacobs acknowledged the work of the ministry’s cultural teams, national events coordinators and regional organisers who travelled across the country to ensure that Mashramani activities were carried out smoothly. He noted that Mashramani remains one of Guyana’s few national celebrations that spans communities across the entire country, bringing together citizens of all ages.

“This is our national event that stretches right across the country,” Jacobs said, noting that activities extended beyond Georgetown and continued in several regions.

Jacobs also highlighted the economic benefits associated with the festival, pointing to increased activities during the Mashramani season and increased demand for vending spaces along the route of the road parade.

According to Jacobs, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council sold over 400 vending spots this year, generating over $13 million in revenue.

Jacobs called on the private sector to play a greater role in supporting Mashramani.

“The government has invested over $200 million this year, but we want corporate Guyana to embrace Mashramani and work with the Ministry of Culture so that we can take it to another level,” he said.

The minister further stressed the importance of creating more opportunities for artists, designers and performers to earn from their craft. He encouraged creatives to continue sharing their work with the ministry so that it can help promote their talent locally and internationally.

The 2026 Mashramani Awards ceremony honoured winners of the 56th Republic anniversary celebrations. Awardees received trophies for their achievements in the various competitions, including soca, dancehall and chutney monarchs and the road march. Awards were also presented to the best designers and the People’s Choice Awards.