IT was an occasion to behold, the biggest in recent times, and one in which national pride and patriotism were celebrated in a spirit of national unity.
Not even the inclement weather could deter the massive gathering, conservatively estimated at 60,000, from converging on the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara.
They gathered to rejoice in the inauguration of Guyana’s 8th Executive President, Mr David Arthur Granger, and to celebrate the country’s 49th anniversary as an independent nation.
So massive was the gathering that the stands in the giant Stadium overflowed onto the field, forcing security officials to cordon off areas on the ground in a bid to ensure crowd control.
It was a challenge to get into the ground at 14:30hrs, and many persons –including this reporter– who were waiting for a while to get in, finally got to enter the venue, not through the gates but through a small hole in the fence behind the parking lot.
Those who did not make it into the Stadium settled under the tents with big-screen televisions arranged for them on the tarmac of the stadium.
By far, it was the most disciplined and well-behaved gathering. The stadium and its environs were a lively sea of colour as the masses were bedecked with yellow and green.
Incidentally, the Guyana National Stadium is painted in mostly green. It was a fitting arena, given the size of the gathering, to celebrate the two historic events.
From about 15:30hrs to 16:45hrs, a number of artistes kept the massive gathering alive with some lively renditions.
Around 16:45hrs, the stadium resoundingly applauded the Guard of Honour which made its way onto the field, marching to the beat of their drums while blowing their trumpets.
THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE
The Guards paved the way for the arrival of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. And at 16:52hrs, the entire National Stadium erupted in thunderous applause on hearing the announcement of the Prime Minister’s arrival.
Escorted into the ground by a convoy of police vehicles, Nagamootoo, on disembarking his car, was greeted like a rock star. Chants of “Moses Nagamootoo! Moses Nagamootoo! Moses Nagamootoo!” reverberated around the ground from the deafening roar, which was accompanied by the waving of small Golden Arrowheads by persons in the stands.
Soon after the Prime Minister and his wife Sita took their seats, the crowd stayed a bit silent, more in anxiety as they awaited the arrival of the ‘Man of the Moment’.
ANOTHER ERUPTION
And they did not have to wait long. Within minutes after the Nagamootoos took their seats, he arrived! Trailed by policemen on motorbikes and in a convoy, President David Arthur Granger emerged from his car to deafening cheers from practically every part of the ground.
The applause and shouts of approval lasted for some time before the crowd again erupted on seeing the President, stately, at attention and dignified, marching in time to the beat of military drums as he inspected the Guard of Honour. This was followed by the 21-gun salute.
The elegant march by the President was probably a first in Guyana, and quite naturally so, as the President was once a Commander of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), retiring at the rank of Brigadier.
When President Granger took his seat, the Woodside Choir and the School Choir entered and they stirred the patriotic mood of the gathering, reciting the national songs, but the one “Let us cooperate for Guyana” really revved up their spirit.
By the time they were finished, a light drizzle began and when the 550-strong group of young dancers showcasing unity, creativity and diversity took to the field, the drizzle got heavier.
But it did not put a damper on the celebratory spirit as almost out of the blue, umbrellas of all colours sprang up, and persons in the stands and on the field began moving to the song, “Everybody must work.”
The group of dancers really put on a lively show, and when they were finished the drizzle subsided and a cool breeze blew across the ground, adding to the warmth of the occasion.
A FANTASTIC MOMENT
“What a fantastic moment in this country!” declared career diplomat and distinguished son of the soil, former Attorney-General and Commonwealth Secretary-General Sir Shridath Ramphal in an impassioned tone.
Commending the spirit of national unity, he said Guyana is a country of one people, and one nation, as he urged the multitude not to allow themselves to be divided by politics, and to strive together to dismantle barriers of disunity.
National unity, he said, is not an empty promise, but a living being. And it can be achieved, the statesman said. “Onward, upward may we ever go! Can we do it! Yes we can!” he said to thunderous applause.
Another loud round of applause and roar followed, as President Granger took to the podium. He praised the country’s workers and legislators as the nation celebrates one year less than 50, and paid homage to the Founding Fathers of the nation who fought for the country’s Independence.
RENEWAL OF DEMOCRACY
The President told the gathering that the recent General and Regional Elections reflect a renewal of democracy in the nation and pledged to work committedly to end division and to build a movement of national unity through an approach centred on participatory democracy.
The grand and memorable inauguration of the 8th Executive President of Guyana and the celebration of the country’s 49th anniversary was attended by Prime Minister of Barbados Freundel Jerome Stuart, and Vice-President of Cuba, Ulises Rosales del Toro.
Also in attendance were diplomats from the US, Canada, Britain, Suriname, Australia, Antigua and Barbuda, the French Republic, Spain, Indonesia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile, El Salvador and Argentina.
The occasion was also attended by members of the Cabinet, as well as legendary Guyana-born reggae and pop star and inventor of the ringbang genre of music, Eddy Grant.
Before the arrival of the Prime Minister and the President, there was a lively cultural programme which featured a number of performers, including G-Money, Sharmaine Blackman and Young Bill Rogers.
The Chinese Association in Guyana, the African Cultural and Development Association, the Nadira and Indira Shaw Dance Troupe and the National School of Threatre Arts and Drama also gave splendid performances.
The occasion saw many holding hands and hugging each other. No doubt, it will remain etched in the memory of those who attended as indeed a most memorable occasion in their lives, and in the history of Guyana.

 
By Tajeram Mohabir