– as town celebrates 46th anniversary

By Nafeeza Yahya

ROSE Hall Town launched its 46th anniversary celebrations with much pomp and fanfare that impressed many, including President Granger who took the salute during a magnificent parade.

“I can’t recall seeing such a large parade in any town,” the President remarked as he delivered the feature address to officially launch the town’s celebrations.

The parade featured over 1000 participants which included the members of the disciplined forces, civil society, students, as well as citizens of Rose Hall Town.

The President remarked that “Rose Hall is a small town with a big heart that will lead the commercial revolution in East Berbice/Corentyne.”

President Granger reflected on the history and village movement, which he said was the most important era in the history of Guyana and the Caribbean.

“Today is a day for double celebrations, not only for Rose Hall becoming a town, but to pay homage to the 57 pioneers who saved their money and bought this piece of land 174 years ago, so that their children and grandchildren won’t have to go back into slavery and poverty.

“This was bought and paid for by the blood and sweat of your foreparents, so do not ever forget their sacrifices, do not forget their struggles as you go forward to build this great nation.”

President Granger shared buttons that had the words “Every child in school” and he reiterated the importance of education.

“Rose Hall in itself is a symbol of what ordinary literate people can do, which is [why] I gave the children these buttons so that they look towards the future…Education is going to be the springboard to employment in
this region.”

President Granger also pledged his unwavering support to the region and the town to see it unlock its full potential.

“Rose Hall is a powerful commercial dynamo in what is the third largest region in this country… I want to work with the Mayor of Rose Hall to unlock that potential, with the chairman of Region Six Mr. David Armogan to develop this great region and I commit myself to this town and this region.”

He also challenged the mayor to plant more trees as World Tree Day approaches on October 1st to help beautify the town further as well as move closer towards a greener town.

During the opening ceremony, the top performers in the town at National Grade Six assessment examinations, CSEC and University of Guyana were honoured, as was the oldest person in
Rose Hall.

A television documentary showcasing the town and its history and a poster aimed at promoting the township were also unveiled.

Regional Chairman David Armogan congratulated the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club for its
impressive launch to the Town Week celebrations.

Mayor Vijay Ramoo promised the residents that come next year they can look forward to a bigger and more convenient tarmac for the town’s celebrations. He reflected on the journey of the town and assured residents of his commitment to ensure that the town develop its potential.

This year’s celebration is being held under the theme: “Proud of our past, optimistic about our future” and is being spearheaded by the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC ) and will run for 12
days with various activities.

Today’s main activity will be the medical outreach and health fair at the St. Francis Headquarters in Rose Hall from 10:00hrs to 16:00hrs and is open to the public free of cost.