GOVERNMENT has set aside some $300M to support activities connected with the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations, Finance Minister Winston Jordan announced in the budget on Friday.“Mr Speaker, His Excellency President David Granger has charged the members of this Honourable House to ‘open avenues of cooperation and agreement so that we can join hearts and hands for the common good’. As we collectively strengthen ties of unity this year, we call on all Guyanese to reflect on the journey of the past 50 years, taking into account the people and experiences that have shaped our history and the lessons learnt, while (being) mindful of the opportunities we have missed,” the Minister told the House in his presentation.

He said this is a time of reflection and celebration, “even as we provide inspiration and tools for our young people to dream bigger and reach higher over the next 50 years.” He said the generation that pauses to reflect during the country’s Centenary Celebrations must be able to savour the legacy of the last 50 years.

“This year is the beginning of the creation of that legacy. Mr. Speaker, notwithstanding the allocation for the specific events surrounding our 50th Anniversary, Budget 2016 — indeed, all future budgets — is dedicated to ensuring the path to the good life is secured for generations to come. A sum of $300 million has been budgeted to support activities in celebration of our Golden Jubilee year.”