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When the President arrived at Public Buildings yesterday, he inspected a contingent of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ranks before being ushered to the rostrum for the singing of the National Anthem.
Awaiting the President’s arrival were Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, performing the duties of Prime Minister; Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony; Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Commodore Gary Best; Head of the Guyana Prison Services, Mr Dale Erskine; Chief Fire Officer, Mr Marlon Gentle, and Police Commissioner (ag) Leroy Brumell.
At the invitation of the Parade Commander, President Ramotar, the Commander-in-Chief of Guyana’s armed forces, inspected the Guard of Honour, with senior officers of the Disciplined Forces by his side.
The flag-raising ceremony was also witnessed by members of the Diplomatic Corps and other dignitaries who lined the upper and lower hallways of the Public Buildings.
Guyana became a Republic on February 23, 1970, pursuant to the 1966 Independence Constitution which made provisions for Guyana to achieve such status by a resolution of the National Parliament, to be passed after a period of five years.
It was one of the central features of the Constitution that broke new ground in the Commonwealth, because, never before had a Commonwealth country achieved independence on the basis of a Constitution that encompassed provisions for it to become a republic.
On February 23, 1970, Guyana declared itself a ‘Cooperative Republic’, severing all ties with the British monarchy. The Governor-General was replaced by the Head of State.
Meanwhile, the nation yesterday continued to receive congratulatory messages from its regional and international partners on the occasion of the country’s 43rd Republic Anniversary.
In a letter addressed to President Donald Ramotar, President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, wrote: “I am pleased to extend my congratulations on behalf of the American people to the people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on the occasion of the 43rd Anniversary of your Republic Day.”
The US President said, “The United States and Guyana share a strong friendship enhanced by deep cultural and historical ties. I look forward to continuing our work together to promote regional security, economic growth, and vibrant democratic institutions.”
President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, in his message, pledged his commitment to strengthening ties between the two countries.
President Mukherjee said, “India and Guyana continue to enjoy traditionally warm and friendly relations. The Prime Minister of Guyana’s visit to India last October provided further impetus to our relations. Our cooperation in the multilateral fora, in particular in the UN and the Commonwealth, continues to be close and determined by common interests. I look forward to working with you for further consolidating our relations.”
His Excellency Quentin Bryce, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, in his message, also mentioned enhancing the growing link between Australia and Guyana, particularly as it relates to engaging on issues before the United Nations Security Council, of which both countries are members.
President of Singapore, Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam, wrote: “On the occasion of the Republic Day…it gives me great pleasure to convey, on behalf of the people of Singapore, our warmest congratulations and best wishes to your Excellency and the people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana for the happiness and prosperity of your country and people.”
Among other messages were those from President of Indonesia, Dr. Susilo Yudhoyono, and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mr. Freundel Stuart.
