AS Guyana ushered in its 49th Independence anniversary, Mr SUNIL SINGH, Regional Executive Officer of Region Two, Pomeroon-Supenaam, called on Guyanese to work harder to unite and build the country.

Speaking at a flag-raising ceremony held on the Anna Regina Fire Station tarmac on Independence Day (Tuesday, May 26) to usher in the historic occasion, the REO said that during the 49 years that Guyana has been an independent nation, the country has prospered and developed. He reminded the gathering that under rule of the colonial British masters, Guyana had been under bondage and had suffered tremendously. Mr Singh said the wealth of the country was sent to England during that period.

The REO said our foreparents who fought for independence played a great role in developing Guyana over the past years. He called on Guyanese to cherish their country as an independent nation, and said life was terrible under the British colonial masters. He said that only a few Guyanese had opportunities to grow and develop; whereas, under an independent Guyana, every Guyanese has a right to participate in electing a government of their choice; own and cultivate lands; have a right to education, housing, water; and enjoy the wealth of the country.

Before the programme began, members of the disciplined services in a parade marched on to the tarmac of the Fire Station, where the Regional Executive Officer, accompanied by the Commander of “G” Division and other senior members of the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Fire Service inspected the Guard of Honour.

Despite the continuous rainfall, members of the disciplined services stood firmly in rapt attention as the programme unfolded to usher in the historic anniversary of the country’s independence.

Prayers were recited by representatives of the three main religions of the country. Pastor Prabhulall, who represented the Christian community, in his prayer thanked God for a blessed and united Guyana and for all the development God has given the country over the past 49 years.

He prayed also for His Excellency President David Granger, First Lady Sandra Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and all Ministers of Government and Members of Parliament who will be sworn in shortly to serve in the National Assembly.

The Pastor also thanked God for all the Regional Leaders and Councillors who would be serving in the ten administrative regions across the country, and asked that the entire nation be blessed with peace.

He also thanked God for the wealth of the country’s abundant natural resources, and for the recent discovery of a large resource of oil offshore Guyana. Moreover, he thanked God for the rice, sugar and bauxite industries.

At the end of the programme, the Golden Arrowhead was proudly hoisted by a member of the disciplined services to signal Guyana’s 49 Independence anniversary. And as the rainfall continued, bringing blessings to the land, everyone stood to attention as the first and last verses of the National Anthem were sung, followed by recitation of the National Pledge.
(Rajendra Prabhulall in E/bo)