PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar has given the assurance that Government will do everything in its power to have the cuts made to the 2013 National Budget restored.

Addressing a crowd of thousands at an Indian Arrival Day commemoration at Albion, Corentyne, Berbice, he pointed out that the Budget was slashed by the Opposition, of two parties, which is now operating as one, in accordance with an ulterior motive of destruction and the restoration is for the development of the people of this country.
Two showers of rain fell but the throng waited patiently for the address by His Excellency, who was accompanied by other Ministers and officials of the Government.
In his speech, the Head of State reminded those assembled of their foreparents’ plight in getting here, as they were fooled by the British slave sellers, who told them that they were coming to a country where there was a lot of gold on the streets and their lives would have been better.
He said, though, that, on arriving here, the Indians realised that they were captured into slavery and had to work in similar conditions as the Africans, enduring a 10-hour work day.
President Ramotar said, within three months after the arrival, slavery was abolished and the Indians worked to ensure better living standards which, today, have contributed to the economy.
He explained that many have served this country in the areas of medicine, agriculture, military and politics among others and he mentioned that the late Leader of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Cheddi Jagan hailed from Port Mourant, not too far from Albion.
Challenges
Mr. Ramotar said the Government is, today, celebrating their achievement, having met their share of challenges in building an economy.
The thousands in his audience had congregated at Albion Community Centre, Monday evening to commemorate the 175th Anniversary of Indian Arrival in Guyana.
The grand mela (fair) was a celebration of the traditional culture, ending a two-day activity which commenced at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, on Sunday.
The latter event was described as having been attended by the largest ever crowd in the history of the ‘Cinderella County’ for the occasion.
The gathering was thrilled by rich cultural performances of songs and dances by artistes in matching Indian traditional dress and costumes.
The patrons were treated to a local and international flavoured concert which reminded them of their roots and ancestry.
Among the performers were the Shakti Strings Orchestra and the Shalita Dance Group as well as the visiting Premala Dance Academy from Trinidad and Tobago, accompanied by singer Yetesh Yankarran.
At Albion, another big crowd celebrated in similar atmosphere created by singing and choreographed dancing.
The Berbice concert, however, was interrupted when the electricity generator developed some output problems and a replacement part had to be installed and that took some 55 minutes before the show could continue.