Region Two flag-raising…
MINISTER of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy told scores of persons  at an impressive flag-raising ceremony last Tuesday night, that the destiny of its people is for Guyana to be a great nation. He was speaking at Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast on the eve of the 44th Independence Anniversary.
“As we get together, not merely to observe but to celebrate our independence, we can hold our heads up because we have achieved much. We must be proud, as a nation, of our achievements in just 44 years,” said Ramsammy.
He called on Guyanese to always remember their country’s achievements, noting that “our ancestors did not achieve their dreams but, today, those dreams are being realised through us.”
Ramsammy said the dreams of Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Mrs. Janet Jagan, Mr. Ashton Chase and others are being celebrated today after their struggles and sacrifice.
Acknowledging that Guyana is recognised as a developing country, he continued: “Who could have imagined, just a few decades ago, that Guyana would have stood on the global stage to bring answers to climate change?”
He said: “Today, we are proud to say that the champion of the world lives among us, our own President Bharrat Jagdeo.”
Ramsammy said Guyana stands strong and proud and is showing the world how to deal with diseases like HIV/AIDS.
“Today, our country, in the medical field, is now doing open heart surgery and transplants,” he reminded.
Ramsammy also mentioned that Guyanese now have equal opportunities and live more united.
Chairman of Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Mr. Alli Baksh, in his address, reflected on the struggles for independence and remarked that all races living in this country contributed to its development.
He recalled that Africans and East Indians struggled and sacrificed before independence and agreed that the nation has attained much in just 44 years.
The Golden Arrowhead was hoisted by members of the Disciplined Services on the tarmac of Anna Regina Fire Station, in the presence also of Member of Parliament (MP), Mr. Parmanand Persaud; Regional Vice-Chairman, Mr. Vishnu Samaroo; Regional Executive Officer (REO), Mr. Sunil Singh and Councillors of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Mr. Pooran Persaud, Mr. Omesh Oditt and Mr. Toolsie Narine.
The New Opportunity Corps (NOC) provided steelband music for the occasion.