THE Cooperative Republic of Guyana yesterday, May 26, 2015, paid homage to those who fought for Guyana’s Independence which was attained 49 years ago. Thousands gathered amid intermittent rainfall to hear the Independence Day speech of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President David Granger.

There were eight floral wreaths placed at the base of the Independence Monument on upper Brickdam, just across the way from the Square of the Revolution on Vlissengen Road, to honour those who fought for the freedom Guyana attained on May 26, 1966.

Wreaths were laid by President Granger; Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Mark Phillips; Commissioner of Police, Mr Seelall Persaud; and Georgetown Mayor, Mr. Hamilton Green.

Wreaths were also laid in honour of former presidents, Mr L.F.S. Burnham and Dr. Cheddi Jagan; and businessman-turned politician, Mr Peter D’Aguiar, and on behalf of the Guyana Veterans Legion; the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC); a women’s organisation; and the Scouts Association of Guyana.
The wreath-laying ceremony was followed by President Granger’s address, and the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead, Guyana’s national standard. A two-minute silence was also observed for those in whose honour wreaths were laid.

There was also a 21-gun salute after the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead under the watchful eyes of the thousands in attendance, followed by a second Presidential Salute from the Guard of Honour positioned at the Square of the Revolution.
The Head of State was then escorted to a place outside Castellani House, from which vantage point he and heads of the disciplined services observed the final March Past of the Guard of Honour.

Yesterday’s rains did very little to put a damper on things, as people turned out in their numbers to witness history in the making, even if they had to stand behind the barricades set up to safely and comfortably accommodate the Guard of Honour, special invitees and guests.
It was very evident over the last few days that the Flagraising Ceremony would attract a sizeable crowd as word spread, by way of either photographs or news items, of the massive restoration works underway at the Independence Arch to facilitate this significant observance in Guyana.
Senior citizens, adults and children were among those gathered to hear the maiden Independence Speech of President David Granger, while others stayed with tradition and worked themselves into a frenzy at the sight of members of the Armed Forces decked out in ceremonial attire.
Over the years, the Independence celebrations were held on the eve of May 26, while the Golden Arrowhead was usually hoisted at midnight. This year, however, the ceremony was shifted to the Independence Arch, located opposite another important landmark, The 1763 Monument, which represents another rich and important chapter in Guyana’s history.
There was no doubt that the proceedings were well organised, as everything appeared to have gone the way it was planned and according to protocol. For many, it was the first time they had seen a Guyanese President arriving promptly to facilitate the start of an occasion.
And the crowd showed its appreciation by erupting into loud cheering and other joyous noises when President David Granger was seen marching with military precision as he inspected the Guard of Honour.
President David Granger, a former Army man, is no stranger to protocol, discipline, and most of all, March Pasts; he did so flawlessly, almost as if competing with the commander of the parade, who invited him to inspect the Guard of Honour.
Arriving shortly after Prime Minister Moses Nagamooto, the President stepped out of his official presidential vehicle at exactly 07.59hrs. He then took the salute at 08.00hrs, and immediately thereafter began inspecting the Guard of Honour. Prime Minister Nagamootoo also took a salute from the Guard of Honour as is customary.
The melody of the National Anthem filled the atmosphere as the Commander-in-Chief took the presidential salute.
Guyana’s 49th Independence Anniversary yesterday morning was also attended by members of the diplomatic community, the private sector, civil society and other special invitees. There were at least two Regional Heads of Government present yesterday morning at the Independence Arch.
Security was evidently tight in the environs, with traffic ranks from the Guyana Police Force closing off roads and streets that would usually allow the flow of traffic onto Brickdam, Homestretch Avenue, South Road, Vlissengen Road, and several other interconnecting streets.
The closure of the streets and main roads was no bother to commuters, as they evidently complied with the directions given them by traffic ranks to allow the ceremony to proceed uninterrupted.

By Leroy Smith