THE New Year met President Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar witnessing a dazzling display of scintillating fireworks that illuminated the night sky over the Guyana Defence Force Camp Ayanganna.
It was a highly anticipated moment for the first couple, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and wife Yvonne Hinds and senior

officers of the army who gathered with their spouses, at the Officers’ Mess for the Force’s Old Year’s Night ball. Hugs, cheers and hi-fives were expressed as the New Year dawned.
A live performance by popular artiste Big Red, backed by a local band, enlivened the atmosphere in the lead-up to the New Year, drawing many including, the first couple to the dance floor.
Meanwhile, Non-Commissioned Officers and their spouses awaited the Head of State and First Lady over at the auditorium, where the President had on December announced a one-month bonus for the disciplined forces.
Upon arrival, the dignitaries were greeted with garlands, party hats and “Happy New Year” greetings from the ushers at the door, before proceeding to meet and interact with those gathered for the festivities.
An Old Year’s Night party, organised by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) activists at the VIP Lounge of the Guyana National Stadium at Providence was the first stop for the President and First Lady.
Director of Sport, Neil Kumar, used the occasion to congratulate the President for a “successful” first year in office and assured him of the continued support of the party in the years ahead.
The Head of State was thankful for the support and commitment party activists have demonstrated over the years, particularly at the community level, but alerted them of the future challenges that will demand their services.
With opposition politicians challenging the government’s business in the Parliament with a one seat majority that gives them an advantage, President Ramotar said the PPP must be prepared for any eventuality.
“We have to work on the ground, we have to talk to our people everyday… and to ensure that if perchance they ever try to move a no-confidence vote to push us back to elections… we can go for the 60 percent mark this time around,” President Ramotar said.
In his New Year address to the nation, President Ramotar apprised the nation of major projects that will be advanced, particularly in education, with the construction of new schools and Information Communication Technology (ICT) services.
Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product is likely to record a growth rate of four percent for 2012, marking the seventh consecutive year of creditable performance in the Guyanese economy.