RESIDENTS of Monkey Mountain, Region 8, turned out in their numbers to usher in Guyana’s 47th anniversary as an independent nation. The celebration was attended by Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn and officials of the Ministry and of the region.

“Being free and independent meant that we wanted to be responsible for ourselves, to build Guyana for ourselves…with all the difficulties over all of these years, we have managed to do so,” Minister Benn said.
He added that the development of Monkey Mountain, for example, is testimony to the hard work and struggle by Guyanese working on their own behalf.
Minister Benn stressed that regardless of the challenges and differences, the intention was to see Guyana grow, especially the hinterland communities. “It’s only when we would have improved significantly the lives of our residents of interior communities, when they have almost a similar quality of life as the other Guyanese on the coast, that we would have said that we would have made good of the sacrifices,” he posited.
Minister Benn noted that while there are needs all across Guyana, the money is being spread so as to reach everyone in some way, and these efforts have resulted in more successes than failures.
He told the residents that discussions are on-going to develop a mechanism whereby residents from the community can be employed with development projects. He explained that this measure is being considered since the contractors who are not from the region are not dependable, and they are not always aware of the conditions and the available materials.
It is hoped that this mechanism will bring income for the residents and garner their participation.
With regards to the road that is being built that leads to Monkey Mountain and connects it to other villages and Region 8, Minister Benn encouraged the community to pursue farming, since, with the opening of the road, they will be able to access more markets for their products.
The minister also urged the gathering to protect their indigenous culture and language.
Regional Executive Officer (REO), Ronald Harsawack explained that throughout the country, the Golden Arrowhead was being hoisted in the presence of members of the Cabinet, and in Georgetown, in the presence of President Donald Ramotar.
He indicated that it was the first time the flag raising ceremony was being held in Monkey Mountain, following a decision taken by the regional administration to rotate the celebrations for national events, such as Republic and Independence. The intention is to get more people involved in the celebrations, and at the same time, give the school children an opportunity to learn about Guyana’s history.
Harsawack recalled lessons which sought to illustrate what Guyana was like prior to gaining independence, and the changes that were made thereafter, that included changes to the flag, the national anthem, national symbols, money and structure of the government.
“Because of the heroic actions and determination of our foreparents and our leaders, Cheddi Jagan and L.F.S. Burnham, along with others, who were in the fight for independence status, and it was after a lot of blood, sweat and tears we finally achieved the status of independence,” he said.
The REO emphasised that the true meaning of independence, and being independent, is having the ability to govern, solve problems and manage one’s affairs without interference from external parties.
The REO told the gathering of the investments being made in the community, and the region as a whole. He explained that most of the money is directed towards the education and health sectors.
Harsawack noted that $785M is being plugged into the construction of a new school in Kato that will be outfitted with modern amenities and equipment. It is expected to be completed in 18 months. Of great importance is the fact that the school will resolve the overcrowding of classrooms in some communities, while simultaneously improving the level of education delivered to the students in the region.
Some of the other initiatives include road work, the issuing of contracts to the village council to build school furniture (so that it does not have to be out- sourced) and the hydro power project.
In his closing remarks, Harsawack urged the villagers to reflect on the progress made in the last 47 years, and to think about where they want Monkey Mountain to be in the future.
Apart from the speeches made, the gathering was entertained by songs, poetry and dances by the children and adults of the village. (GINA)