By Rawle Nelson
FIFTY years speaks of maturity and Region Eight Chairman Bonaventure Fredericks is urging all Guyanese to work together for a better Guyana in the years ahead.He expressed these sentiments before a large gathering at the region’s flag-raising ceremony held at the Mahdia playfield on Wednesday.

Among those in attendance were Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan; APNU Member of Parliament for Region Eight, Ms Rajcoomarie Bancroft; Regional Executive Officer, Shameer Arjune; Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Gavin Gounga; and Regional Democratic councillors.
Fredericks said Guyana’s 50th anniversary should be used by Guyanese to reflect on how far Guyana has come as a people since gaining independence.
“We are still a young nation compared to some other nations, with great potential for great things, but we will not run from the fact that there is still [a] lot more work to be done,” he said.
The regional chairman told residents that growing has its struggles financially, physically, mentally, spiritually and psychologically.
But, he advises: “But let us not focus on the past, but rather focus on the future, the future of our youths, those that are young, critical-thinking and see things differently. We are blessed with an abundance of natural resources, it is our Guyana, for we are her tomorrow and she is our future.”
Fredericks also implored residents to inspire the youths and renew their confidence by providing them the tools and support to dream big and to achieve their dreams.
Regardless of race, culture, political affiliation or religion, he urged all Guyanese to embrace each other and live as one.
The chairman also praised the contributions of Guyana’s founding fathers in the independence struggle, and her other presidents who have contributed to her development.
“As we celebrate this important event, I take time out to salute our first Executive President Forbes Burnham, who has been [sic] the foundation for our independence that we are celebrating. I also salute all of our Presidents as they too have played an important role in what we are celebrating today. Let us recognise the contributions of Burnham, Dr Cheddi Jagan, Janet Jagan,

Desmond Hoyte, Bharat Jagdeo and our current president David Granger. These individuals have all played a very important part in what we are celebrating tonight,” the chairman told the large gathering.
PUT ASIDE DIFFERENCES
Fredericks also urged politicians to put aside their differences and work together in peace and harmony.
“It serves no one any benefit for us to live in disunity. As such, I am appealing to our politicians to recognise that we must stop seeking to criticise and begin to support, as this will certainly help us build a better and stronger Guyana for all,” he stressed.
Fredericks also called for a national change of character and attitude so that Guyana can be a better nation.
“If we change our character and attitude, we will change our nation and be a better people in the generations to come,” he contended.
Meanwhile, Regional Executive Officer Arjune said the region is still faced with a number of challenges, but remains committed and determined to achieve success.
“I have expressed my plans for this region and backed by our hardworking and very supportive Minister of Communities, regional councillors and staff, we are determined to achieve our set goals and targets,” he said.

Arjune added: “As your region’s REO, be assured that as I continue to serve you, I will ensure that my daily contribution to this region is one that will continue to bring about holistic development. While we are focusing on celebrating the achievements that this country has made over the past 50 years, let us also seek to push ahead with our own developments, thus ensuring that the next generation can celebrate our contributions of today. Sacrifices will have to be made, a spirit of discipline, dedication, commitment and the willpower to see growth will have to form part of our daily lives if we are going to leave achievements that our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren can celebrate.”
During the ceremony, two prominent residents of the region were honoured.
Well-known businessman and sports enthusiasts Roger Hinds, who has been dubbed the “God Father” of the region for his overwhelming support and assistance to a number of communities, youth and sports-oriented project was honoured for his sterling contributions to sport and business in the region.
Hinds first got into business at age 14. Medex Ms Lisa Augustus who currently heads the region’s Maternal Child Health Department was honoured for her long- standing, diligent, sterling and committed service to health care development.
Augustus got into health care in 1998 when she began as a community health care worker. She has since served in several capacities over the years while upgrading her qualifications.