— President bestows Medal of Service on outstanding groups

By Tajeram Mohabir
AMID much fanfare, 12 civil society groups from across Guyana were bestowed the Medal of Service by President David Granger in recognition of their inspirational and outstanding contributions to national development.

The lively but dignified occasion was graced by acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh; retired Army officers; members of the arts and community development among others of civil society, was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Geogetown.

With a drum roll, a gentle walk down a narrow aisle, a bow of respect to His Excellency President Granger, representatives of the 12 groups, one by one, on the call of the name of their group, in a stately manner, got up and strode to the President who warmly received and honoured them.

The groups honoured on Tuesday, Republic Day, were the African Cultural and Development Association, the Central Assembly of God Church, the ER Burrowes School of Art, the Guyana Islamic Trust, the Guyana Veterans Legion, the Makushi Research Unit, Mings Products and Services Limited, the National Dance Company of Guyana, the Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Centre Inc, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, the South-Central People’s Development Association, and the Theatre Guild of Guyana.

The Investiture Ceremony was in keeping with a promise by President Granger to honour men, women and organisations who/which have made outstanding contributions in promoting peace, social cohesion and national development.
The Medal of Service honours associations, corporations, organisations and other groups for their sacrifice, selflessness, success and service to their communities, country and society.

Addressing the distinguished gathering, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Chancellor of the Orders of Guyana, President David Granger, said national awards are a supreme symbol of Guyana’s statehood.

GREATEST GIFT
“They are the greatest gift that a grateful nation can offer. Awards are the embodiment of the spirit of our people; a spirit, which is manifested, similarly, in our National Anthem, our national flag and our inspirational National Motto – One People, One Nation, One Destiny,” he said.
National symbols are ordained by the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, this country’s supreme law and are cherished by Guyanese.

“Their significance is not to be devalued. The Medals of Service which you received will not depreciate with the balance of trade. The parchment with which you have been presented will not disintegrate with age. The acclaim of this congregation is not to be discredited. National Awards constitute an important institution of the State. It is my personal obligation, as Chancellor of the Orders of Guyana, to discharge my duty to our deserving citizens and to pay respect to those to whom respect is due. We are the trustees of the traditions which sustain society. That is the custom of our people. That is the convention of good government. That is the culture of a good society,”the President said, as he commended the awardees.

RESPECT FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS
He added: “National Awards are a reflection of the respect and reverence of a grateful nation. We know that you have laboured over a long period of time. These awards, indeed, were reserved for those who have distinguished themselves in the service of the nation.
“We applaud your accomplishments. We appreciate the outstanding service that you have rendered. We commend you for your commitment to the common good.
“Guyana encourages you to continue, through precept and example, to serve your country and community. Civil society and non-governmental organisations are deserving of admiration and emulation by the nation, particularly by young Guyanese,” the President told the august gathering.

Guyana on Tuesday celebrated its 46th Republican anniversary. The Republic Act of 1970 ended the incongruity of having the Queen of Great Britain as the Queen of Guyana.

It also ended the British honours system of Knights, Dames, Commanders, Companions, Officers and Members of the British Empire, the Empire of which Guyana was a part for some 150 years.

The termination of the imperial system of awards provided the opportunity for the initiation of a national system.

“It is fitting, therefore, that this day – the anniversary of our Republic – should be selected as the day on which the State honours citizens and groups of distinction,” the President said.

Justice Carl Singh in brief remarks at the opening of the programme said the process of selecting the awardees was fair and transparent, and emphasised the point that national development is more than economic development.
National development, he said, should be measured based on strides in education, the arts, business and manufacturing, sports, cultural development, healthcare, and community relations, among others.