By Ravin Singh

CONFIRMATION has been given by President David Granger that government is currently exploring the option of establishing a Department of National Events which is likely to be housed at the Ministry of the Presidency. The disclosure was made by the Head-of-State on Thursday during the recording of his weekly television show, ‘The Public Interest.’ This newspaper recently reported that the President had mooted the idea of establishing the department to ensure major public events are well coordinated and properly executed. This was based on reliable information released by a source, who also said that the department will likely be housed at the Ministry of the Presidency.
According to the source, the idea of establishing such a department was floated at a meeting between the President and several high-ranking officials, including Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry. At that time, the source said, the department was just a conceptual idea which was based on a recommendation made by President Granger.
However, the President confirmed on Thursday during his recording of the Public Interest that such a department is likely to be established, given the fact that this issue is currently engaging the attention of government.
“Yes, we are looking at a department to deal with national events and we have made progress in establishing that department. We have made moves in that direction,” he said.
The Head-of-State also explained that the move is intended to chart a way for strengthening the management of these national events.
Minister Henry was responsible for coordinating Guyana’s national events this year given her portfolio in the Education Ministry. And although she was part of the meeting which led to the birth of such an idea, it was not clear what her reaction to this idea was.
Last month, Guyana celebrated 50 years as an independent nation, and the planning of events for that occasion was hailed a success by Minister Henry. However, several shortcomings in protocol and logistics were noted and those attracted many criticisms.
One such logistical mishap was the seating arrangements at the Independence Flag-raising ceremony, which led to the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) leaving the event prematurely.
Another criticism, which continues to resurface annually, is the mundane cultural displays at the independence anniversary celebrations and to some extent, Mashramani events. These have generated much discussion in social quarters and the general feeling is that there is need for better management of these events.
Using these events as a point of reference, the President was keen to note that Government has learnt a lot from those celebrations.
“We’ve learnt a lot of lessons from the Independence Anniversary celebrations,” he said, adding that it is necessary to coordinate the activities of all agencies participating in national events. Some of these, he said, included; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, should there be visiting dignitaries; the Ministry of Public Security to organise security for visitors and venues; the Ministry of the Presidency; the Ministry of Education which has responsibility for culture, youth and sport and the Ministry of Communities, which has responsibility for the municipalities.
Given the multi-dimensional approach needed to develop the quality of management and execution of these national events, President Granger noted that a multi-agency department is needed. What the President was not able to say however, was when the department is likely be established, given that the idea is still in its preliminary stage of discussion.