THE Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. advised: “If we are to go forward, we must go back and rediscover those precious values – that all reality hinges on moral foundations and that all reality has spiritual control.” 

Fellow Guyanese, we are gathered here to give thanks to Almighty God. Though He is called by different names based on our religion, we all acknowledge His presence in guiding our path. As we, the people of this blessed region, embarked on a political campaign a few months ago to change the course of history, to change the course of our lives, we leaped out on faith that greater is He that is within us. With Him all things are possible.
We fought a hard campaign on the moral conviction that as children of Guyana, we too deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and benefit from the nation’s resources. For many, it has been a hard road to travel and a rough, rough, way to go.
Guided by faith, we knew we could not hesitate to be the change we wanted to see and the only path desired is the path that goes forward. Thus, with grit and determination, undeterred by challenges or setbacks, we worked our hardest to make the 11th May the date to affirm: “Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”
We went into the elections on faith that an alliance government offers this region a chance to make real our dreams, our hopes and our aspirations. The alliance’s commitment to form a government on the foundation of good governance that assures equality for all, the implementation of our 21st August 2012 Agreement, developmental opportunities for the youth, protection of the vulnerable and safeguarding the prospects of the employed became the wind beneath our wings.
Being deprived in the last years, we are fully aware that our future lies in victory at both regional and national governments. Brothers and sisters, we have much to be thankful for. In addition to being instrumental in the alliance win, this region has once again soared.
This is the only region where the PPP/C lost votes; the alliance won 85% of the valid votes cast, that is 16,791 of the 19,742; won both of the geographic seats; and secured 98.8% of the increased votes cast. Your hard work, commitment and sacrifices are noted. These victories have been made possible because of you.
Fellow Guyanese, we must be able to live the creed of ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’. Together we must make real inclusionary democracy, accountability and national unity.

Together we must continue the work to realise our dream for economic uplift, equal opportunities and fair play. We must continue the task of forging this nation’s mighty soul and constructing its frame, where freedom must remain our everlasting goal, courage and truth our aim. We must remain unyielding in our quest for peace and justice.

As our nation’s hero brave let faith remain guardian of our striving to uphold the values upon which this great country is built. Onward, upward, may we ever go.

Thanks to those who voted for the alliance. To those who voted for another party your right to association is respected. To all, in Region 10, we remain one! As your present Regional Chairman, each and every citizen of this beautiful region is assured of my continued representation of your interests, the defense and protection of your rights, and commitment to execute my duty without fear, favour or ill will. Thanks for the privilege to serve and the confidence reposed in me over the three years. Thanks for the good times and the not so good times we shared. Trust I have met your expectations. You have helped to make me a better citizen and I am humbled by the experience.
May God continue to richly bless you and this dear land!

SHARMA SOLOMON
Regional Ten Chairman