Dear Editor,
I write in response to the recent letter by Attorney Melinda Janki regarding Mashramani 2026. Her attempt to portray one of Guyana’s most cherished national celebrations as a “public nuisance” is not only exaggerated but also deeply insulting to the thousands of Guyanese who proudly participate in and enjoy this historic celebration every year.
Mashramani has been a cornerstone of our Republic celebrations for more than half a century. It reflects the vibrancy of our culture, the creativity of our people, and the spirit of unity that defines Guyana. Like festivals and carnivals across the Caribbean and around the world—from Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival to celebrations in cities like Miami—large national festivities involve music, crowds, and celebration. That is the very essence of such events.
What is more troubling, however, is the presumptuous tone of Ms. Janki’s letter. She appears to believe that she speaks on behalf of the Guyanese people when she demands explanations from the President and Government Ministers. The truth is that she has no moral authority to claim representation of the views of the people of this country.
For years, Ms. Janki has positioned herself in constant opposition to the Government, repeatedly seeking to insert herself into national debates in an apparent effort to remain relevant. Her many attempts to use the oil and gas industry as a platform for national relevance have largely failed, and it now appears that even our national cultural celebrations have become another avenue for attention.
The reality is that Mashramani is embraced by the people of Guyana. It has evolved with the times, just like other major cultural festivals across the Caribbean and globally. To dismiss it as lawlessness or nuisance is to ignore its cultural importance and the pride it brings to countless Guyanese at home and abroad.
Quite frankly, Ms. Janki’s latest outburst should be seen for what it is — another attempt by a familiar critic who finds fault with almost every national development or celebration once the PPP/C is in office. Her views do not represent the majority of Guyanese and should not be mistaken as such.
In the end, her commentary amounts to little more than the noise of a fringe element — one of the perennial rabble-rousers in our society who sees every issue through a narrow political lens and seeks relevance by attacking national events and institutions.
The Guyanese people will continue to celebrate Mashramani with pride, and no amount of exaggerated criticism will change that reality.
Yours faithfully,
Ravi Ally