-by Jordan Alkins
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. is calling on major private sector companies to play a greater role in financing Mashramani, saying the government cannot be expected to shoulder the cost of the national celebration alone.
Speaking at the recent launch of the 2027 Mashramani calendar, Minister Ramson expressed frustration over what he described as inadequate corporate support for the event, despite its continued growth.
He revealed that government invested more than $200 million in Mashramani bands last year alone, as part of efforts to expand participation and strengthen the country’s premier cultural celebration.
However, the Minister questioned why some of Guyana’s most profitable companies have not made similar commitments.
“You’re making money in this country, all of the companies… the publicly traded companies, you have to disclose all of your balance sheets, all of your statements. We see the billions,” he stated.
Ramson also raised concerns about large companies purchasing vending spaces intended to provide income-generating opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses during Mashramani celebrations.
He urged corporate Guyana to demonstrate greater responsibility by investing in the cultural activities from which businesses also benefit.
The Minister warned that government may have to reconsider its approach to engagements with companies that continue to withhold support.
“If you are refusing to invest in this cultural product, then government at some point will have to take a strong position on how we treat with those engagements,” he said.
Despite these concerns, Ramson highlighted the significant growth of Mashramani over the past three years and reaffirmed government’s commitment to making the 2027 celebrations even bigger.
Mashramani 2027 will be celebrated under the theme “Guyanese United, Guyana Rising.”
