PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar joined the hundreds that gathered to celebrate Phagwah yesterday on the lawns of the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) at Bel-Air, Greater Georgetown.President Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar; Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; acting High Commissioner of India, Madhumita Sengupta; several Government ministers; members of the diplomatic corps and other special invitees, were among those attending the festivities.

Addressing the well powdered crowd at the ICC, the President commended his fellow Guyanese for their spirit of celebration and togetherness, especially at Phagwah time. He said that not only was he delighted to meet and greet so many people, but to also participate in the festivities and wish everyone A Happy Holi.
The Head of State posited that the unity of all the colours at this festival is a beautiful thing, and that this festival reflects the make-up of the country. He made the point that the question of Phagwah and how it is celebrated in Guyana makes us all one people in a way. “We know this festival has a lot of meaning that can be transmitted to one’s everyday life; one way is celebrating our achievements and particularly when they would have harvested a good crop,” the President said, adding:
“We in Guyana have a lot to celebrate as we have transformed our country from a heavily poor and indebted country to now a middle-income developing country.”
He noted that the Government has restored the country’s infrastructure, noting too that “of course, we could have gone much further, but we had impediments in the way and therefore we have to work hard to continue to build; we must never have reasons to go backwards.”
President Ramotar concluded by urging all citizens to continue in the spirit of harmony as Guyana moves ahead.

The President then visited the Guyana National Stadium at Providence to participate in the festivities of the Inspire Inc. Phagwah Mela. He repeated his previous message, and called on Guyanese to use this auspicious time to reflect on the progress the country has made. He also urged them to work together to move Guyana forward.
The final stop for the Head of State was the Everest Cricket Club ground in Georgetown to engage in the playing of Phagwah at the Dharmic Sabha’s Phagwah Mela. President Ramotar wished all a happy and prosperous Phagwah.