THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) float won first prize in the Mashramani Float Parade on Essequibo Coast last Saturday.

Suddie Public Hospital was second and the Regional Administration of Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) third.

GRA had a large contingent depicting VAT (Value Added Tax) and the Suddie Hospital group attracted attention, too, with its depiction of a pregnant mother giving birth at the newly constructed diagnostic centre that boasts all the latest technologies.

The road tramp was led by Village Ram Masquerade Band and the revelry enlivened the commercial centre of Anna Regina township, with people dancing in dazzling costumes to music from stereo sets mounted on several open back trucks.

The party mood drew residents out of their homes to watch the procession which a large crowd gathered to see at Anna Regina Car Park tarmac.

Speaking there, Regional Executive Officer (REO), Mr. Mohamed Khan said the celebrations were curtailed because of the security risk in the country following the Lusignan and Bartica massacres.

He, however, thanked Essequibians for turning out to participate, in company also of Members of Parliament (MPs) Parmanand Persaud Farouk Khan.

Earlier, Regional Chairman, Mr. Alli Baksh said progress, which the foreparents started many years ago, must continue in this country.

He said Guyanese must not be complacent but steadfast and work together, in peace and harmony, to build this great land given by God.

Baksh was addressing the gathering after the Joint Services parade for the 38th Republic Anniversary flag-raising ceremony, at Anna Regina.

He said those who want to drive fear and terror must be condemned and those responsible for protecting the nation praised.

Before the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted, Baksh, accompanied by Police Commander of ‘G’ Division, Superintendent Rexford Johnson, inspected the Guard of Honour.

Among others watching were Vice-Chairman, Mr. Vishnu Samaroo and members of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Mr. Pooran Persaud and Mr. Omesh Oditt.

The road show and float parade followed the raising of the flag and those who took part, as well, were employees of the RDC Office and students of Charity Secondary School.