PRESIDENT David Granger on Sunday evening unofficially declared three national days of observance; two of which are expected to be announced next week. The President made this unofficial announcement at a mela and cultural event to mark the 100 years since the abolition of Indian indentureship in Guyana.
The event, which was hosted by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (Hindus for Selfless Service), was held at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD).
With no official date set for the observance of the abolition of Indian indentureship, the President said that on the 12th of this month, he will officially announce that day as a national day of observance of that historical event.
The following day (March 13), Guyana will observe 104 years since the Rose Hall Estate Massacre where 15 persons were killed. That event is usually observed on different days in March each year.
However, President Granger told the gathering of a few thousand that on that day (March 13), he will declare that day as a national day of observance for the Rose Hall Martyrs.
The head-of-state went on to disclose that on May 3, the Government will officially declare that day as Portuguese Day since that is the day that ethnic group arrived in what was then British Guiana.
Following his announcement of these dates, the President explained that these days are being designated to recognise each thread in the tapestry of this society.
“These national days were not meant to divide our country, our community, our society. They are meant to recognise each and every thread in the tapestry of our society. They are meant to show each and every citizen of each and every ethnic group that we recognise their roots” he said, adding that his administration will continue giving recognition to the people who are responsible for creating this nation.