AS Guyana’s 48th Independence Anniversary approaches, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony is calling on Guyanese to reflect on the gains made over the years, including the drastic increase in living standards.

Speaking with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Minister Anthony said, “As a country we have achieved quite a lot, we have done extremely well in the area of education, in the areas of sport, culture, housing…over the last 48 years you would have seen Guyanese living standard drastically improving, so we have achieved and we should be proud of those achievements. In this the 48th year of our achievement, I would urge everyone to have an introspection, but also reflect on the positive things that we have accomplished as a nation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the minister also reported that preparations for the national and regional flag-raising ceremonies are on schedule and persons can expect a bigger contingent of children performing during the grand flag-raising exercise at the National Park.

The packed agenda for this exercise on May 25, would see a number of performances from local artistes and 600, not the usual 400, children will execute the 20-minute cultural piece that is performed at the ceremony every year.

There will be a display by the Guyana Police Force (GFP), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Presidential Address by His Excellency Donald Ramotar.
A team from the GDF will also be sent to Ayanganna (the highest point in Guyana) to climb the peak, and broadcast a message which will be aired live during the flag-raising ceremony.

The much anticipated fireworks display will culminate the flag- raising ceremony at the National Park.

The Ministry of Culture has responsibility for the national flag-raising ceremony while there will be flag-raising ceremonies in every region, executed by the regional authorities.

Minister Anthony reminded that a Cabinet Member will be in attendance, and will participate at each of these ceremonies.
Guyana gained its independence from Great Britain on May 26, 1966.