Minister Benn admonishes Guyanese to unite to move country forward
PUBLIC WORKS and Communications Minister Robeson Benn has admonished Guyanese to strive for unity as a people, so as to secure the future of the country.
Speaking at the 46th Independence Anniversary Flag-raising Ceremony on the Anna Regina Fire Station tarmac, Minister Benn said social, political, and economic progress will not come unless there is unity. He said Guyana is at a critical junction of its history, and Guyanese must unite and work together to build the country for generations to come. The minister said President Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmie Ramotar, who are leading the country on the 46th Independence Anniversary, are both pushing for unity in the country.
Speaking on development in the country since Guyana gained its independence from Great Britain 46 years ago, Benn said the country has achieved a lot as an independent nation. He said Essequibo continues to make great contributions to the country’s development, in terms of agriculture.
Saying that “Guyana is ours today”, Minister Benn called on Guyanese to forget the dark days of hatred, stressing the need for understanding, patience and willingness. He wished Essequibians well, and brought greetings from His Excellency, President Donald Ramotar, on the country’s 46th Independence Anniversary.
Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud, addressing the gathering,  reflected on the day Guyana got its independence from Great Britain 46 years ago, and how Guyanese felt when Britain’s Union Jack was lowered and the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted for the first time.
Persaud said the struggle for Independence was fought for by the late ‘Father of the Nation’, Dr Cheddi Jagan, and then the late LFS Burnham. He deemed Guyana a young nation, and called on all Guyanese to work together to build the country into a prosperous nation.
Accompanied by Regional Chairman Parmanand Persaud and Commander of Police “G” Division, Paul Williams, Minister Benn took the salute from members of the disciplined services, and inspected the Guard of Honour on the tarmac.
Prayers were made by representatives of the three main religions — Muslim, Christian and Hindu — before the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted.
Also present at the flag-raising ceremony were Regional Vice Chairman Vishnu Samaroo; Regional Executive Office Sunil Singh; and Regional Democratic Councillors Rudolph Williams, Wazeeda Bacchus, Brian Persaud, and Archie Cordis.