The message delivered to Region 4 residents underscored the need for unity and togetherness, as the official regional Independence flag raising ceremony was observed.

After a series of cultural presentations, including songs, dances and various types of drumming, Minister of Public Service, Dr. Jennifer Westford, made her call for unity as she delivered the feature address at the Regional Democratic Office (RDC) at Triumph, East Coast Demerara on Friday.
Addressing a large audience, Minister Westford recalled the struggles of the two main political parties of the time, the People’s Progressive Party and the People’s National Congress, for independence from Great Britain. She noted that despite key differences, the two parties cooperated for what was deemed as “the good of the country”. She recalled the symbolic gesture of Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham shaking hands, and the historic significance that it still holds.
Minister Westford reminded the gathering that they have a responsibility to hold their elected officials responsible for their actions especially given the new political dispensation. She said that those who sit in positions as key decision makers, “must always seek to think of Guyana first, and their actions must always be for the good of the nation as a whole”. All politicians, she added, must work together for the benefit of the country, particularly as Guyana celebrates its 47th anniversary as a free nation.
Attending the proceedings were officials of the RDC, the Education Ministry, members of the Guyana Police Force and Prison Service, and secondary school students and community representatives.
Cabinet members have fanned out to all the administrative regions to observe the 47th Independence anniversary flag raising ceremony.