…though opposition detractors tried to ‘cheapen and diminish’ them
THOUGH, generally, Guyana’s Independence celebrations have been well received, a number of the “detractors” and “unbelievers” present in society have used them to “cheapen and diminish” the solemnity of the occasion.
Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon made this observation yesterday at his weekly post-Cabinet press conference at the Office of the President, Shiv Chandarpal Drive, Georgetown.
Luncheon said the antics of opposition members and their circles at the regional flag-raising ceremonies in Regions 4 (Demerara/Mahaica), 5 (Mahaica/Berbice), 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), 8 (Potaro/Siparuni), and 10 (Upper Demerara/ Upper Berbice), were reported to Cabinet.
Meanwhile, reports to Cabinet by Cabinet members, among others, attest to the fact that the celebrations were generally well received.
Luncheon, also Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), said the involvement of so many Guyanese across the board sends a powerful message and is an apt reflection of how successful the Administration has been in cultivating the country’s nationalistic and patriotic spirits.
“Importantly, this cultivation is not essentially done by words. It is actually a reflection of action; a reflection of results that are satisfying to the average Guyanese public; results that reflect improvement in their standard of living, in their vision of the future of Guyana and perhaps reflect the realisation of things and occurrences around which Guyanese can be proud of,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Donald Ramotar used the recent Independence celebrations to indicate his interest in working with all whose desire is to move the country forward. Though the national elections have created new challenges to all the leaders of the country, he advised that it is now time to show maturity and to put the interest of Guyana and its people ahead of narrow self-interests.
“No matter what side of the political divide we are on, let us remember that 46 years ago we assumed the responsibility for our own destiny. This great responsibility which we all carry for this country must never be forgotten; and with political will and trust, we can make Guyana achieve the great potential that we so often speak about.
“I know that the people of Guyana would like to see us working together. This was also the dream at independence and it remains today a major national aspiration. We need to safeguard our freedoms, defend and strengthen our democracy and allow the ingenuity and resourcefulness of our people to flourish.
“A great Guyana will not be measured only in terms of what we build and what we create; but also in our character as a nation, including our ability and willingness to set aside narrow interests for the greater good of all Guyana.
“Let us all commit to making our beloved Guyana better for our sake and for the sake of those who will come after us,” the President urged in his address at the flag-raising ceremony on the eve of the nation’s 46th anniversary.