Minister within the Ministry of Finance ,Jennifer Webster, joined Region Three residents on Wednesday evening in celebrating Guyana’s 45th Independence anniversary at the Regional Democratic Council office, Vreed-en-Hoop,West Bank Demerara. Giving the feature address at the celebration, Minister Webster encouraged the region and all Guyanese to build upon the rich heritage won as a result of the struggle of their forefathers.
The annual event was celebrated with several cultural presentations performed by the students from the various schools in the region. The audience was treated to dramatic poetry, interpretive dances and tassa drumming.
“We must acknowledge the contributions of our leaders, who fought for independence; we must strive to work together to improve the quality of life of our people so that we can build a nation that we all can be proud of,” she said.
Minister Webster reminded those in attendance of the countless advances and development that Guyana has made from the time of independence under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government to present.
This, she said, is manifested in the significant transformation of the infrastructural landscape from all corners of the country.
Government’s primary focus has continued to be equitable access for all in every sector of the economy, as well as improving the quality of service produced in these sectors, thereby improving the quality of life for all Guyanese.
“This government remains committed and dedicated to our mandate of further securing  human and social development in a growing economy. It is our government’s vision that tomorrow’s Guyana is guaranteed by investments taking place today in all sectors,” she said.
She cited the Amaila Falls investment, and the oil extraction industry as government’s investment in generating growth and boosting the quality of life of Guyanese.

Specific to Region Three, she spoke of the numerous developments taking place there, including the thousands of house lots allocated in areas as Tuschen and Parfaite Harmonie, the upgrading and construction of sporting facilities such as the synthetic athletic track at Leonora, and the construction of a water treatment plant at Vergenoegen.
The minister said that President Bharrat Jagdeo plays a very pivotal role in ensuring that the country attains higher levels of development, with his initialling of a number of new projects. These projects are anticipated to capitalise the socio-economic progress of the nation.   
She referred to the One Laptop per Family Project as one such initiative that will see transformation and improvement of every sector in Guyana.
Guyana has come a long way over the past 45 years, in spite of the challenges faced as a nation, and she reiterated that each citizen has a duty to and an important role to play in the country’s development.
Regional Chairman Julius Faerber, highlighted Guyana’s passage to independence, and the progress that has been made since the attainment of independence.
He spoke of the advancement made at the West Demerara Regional Hospital and in the various sectors such as education, infrastructure, public works, health, agriculture and housing.
The event culminated with the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead at around 21:30hrs.(GINA)