The Government Information Agency (GINA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Wednesday launched in Georgetown a two day commemorative photograph exhibition on the lawns of Guyana Stores Ltd. In the city.
The activity is part of a larger agenda which saw the exhibition being displayed previously in Region 2, at the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School, and in Region 10, at the Linden Economic Advancement Program (LEAP) building.
Present at the gathering on Tuesday were Director of Culture Dr. James Rose, Director of GINA Neaz Suhban, students and teachers from schools in and around Georgetown, staff of contributing government ministries and agencies and interested persons.
Dr. Rose, also the chairman of the National Trust, delivered the featured remarks, when he paid special attention, to the significance of Republicanism, especially in the context of Guyana’s colonial past and its relationship with Britain and post independence projections.
He noted that the critical distinction for Guyana in 1970 was that Republic status represented the elimination of the last vestiges of colonial authority and allowed the nation to proceed distinctly within the structures that were erected inside Guyana’s sovereign borders.
Commending the composition on display, Dr. Rose encouraged all to celebrate Mashramani in 2010 knowing that, as a nation, Guyana is functionally manifesting tangible and intangible elements of ongoing development and prosperity, which are consistent on the coast and reaching into the hinterland and positively affecting persons in those regions.
Suhban, in his remarks, drew attention to the focus of the exhibition, specifically, the fact that Guyana’s development agenda covers the entire scope of issues pertinent to the lives of citizens. He expressed optimism that the displays would engender healthy discussions and debates.
He also extended gratitude to all who worked to make the exhibition a reality, including the staff of the Ministry, the National Trust, the National Museum, GINA, Guyana Stores and Impressions Printing.
He specifically recognised the presence of Godfrey Chin, a stalwart in the Mashramani arena, a renowned photographer and friend of the Arts. It is noteworthy that several of the nostalgia evoking photographs on display were provided by Chin.
Emphasising national development in all sectors, the exhibition is composed of graphic images showcasing various significant events, locations and personalities, in Guyana’s history, since Republic status was applied in 1970.
On display are photographs highlighting the origins of Mashramani, historic buildings in and out of the capital city and representations of progressive developments in health, housing, water, education, infrastructure, agriculture and industry. Also available are pamphlets, brochures, newspapers, booklets and posters for dissemination.
After the conclusion of the Georgetown showing, several displays will be mounted in the Berbice region next week.