Solid show of support for new Government – on Independence Day

LAST Tuesday Guyanese from across every divide in the country participated in a packed programme of activities to commemorate this nation’s 49th Independence anniversary, which culminated in the inauguration ceremonials for President David Granger at Guyana’s national stadium in Providence.The show of solidarity by supporters of the new government was reflected by the thousands gathered from all across the country who joined the throng witnessing the landmark event.
During his address President Granger stressed that all Guyanese “… have a duty to actualise the vision of our nation’s founding fathers who fought to create the new state. We have a duty to continue the work they started to transform a divided colony into a united ‘Nation.’
Today is a day of thanksgiving. We give thanks for the gift of Independence.”

He acknowledged that “Independence was not the work of one person or one party. It was the product of a movement of the Caribbean people. It was a process that took place over a long period of 50 years. Workers were the true pioneers. It was they who rebelled against British Colonialism first, during the distress after the First and Second World Wars in 1918 and 1945, respectively. During the ‘Labour Rebellion’ of the 1930s, 29 workers were killed and 115 injured throughout the West Indies and British Guiana. We pay homage to the workers for their sacrifice.”
Like the historian he is, the President informed the audience: “Legislators followed. Theophilus Lee, the first President of the British Guiana Trades Union Council – BGTUC – a Chinese-Guyanese and a member of the Legislative Council, moved a motion there that led to the establishment of the Waddington Commission which, in turn, led to the introduction of universal adult franchise. This is the same franchise which we exercised 15 days ago. The Commission’s recommendations also led to internal self-government and, finally, Independence. We pay homage to our legislators for their leadership.”
Noting that Independence came in 1966 after decades of distress and distrust, the President urged: “Let us not now dwell on the pain of the past but look with faith to the future. Let the sacrifice of those who struggled and died inspire us today and guide generations to come tomorrow and beyond.
Independence meant change – from colony to nation; from subject to citizen; from subjugation to liberation and from discrimination to dignity and equality.”
The pomp and ceremony did not overshadow the solemnity of the occasion of re-affirmation of national goals.
The thousands exulting in finally getting a government of their choice were forewarned that success is achievable only with hard, goals-oriented work from a nation committed to work together for the upward mobility of all the citizens of the land.
Even as the spirit of jubilation heightened the exultation of the crowd, the President was encouraging Guyanese to join in united efforts to move the country forward as was done by ancestors of yore.

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