ON the occasion of the 47th anniversary of Guyana’s Independence I would like to wish all Guyanese a blessed and prideful celebration and ask that we focus on the fact that our strength lies in our multiracial structure.

We have come a long way since the days when the charting of our destiny was in the hands of others. We have stumbled along the way, but throughout have come together as a people to realize the promise of our future. Today, we can look back at the past, and resolutely turn our strengths and efforts towards the dream of a brighter tomorrow.

Let us, on this Independence Day, put aside our differences and the fence critics and embrace the reality that only we can determine our destiny. Let us look with pride on our achievements and commit ourselves to achieve greater and better things including an enhanced national image. Let us, most of all, give effect to our National Motto and live as One People, committed to build One Nation with One Manifest Destiny.

May God bless Guyana and her people.