— Dr Norton says

SOCIAL Cohesion Minister Dr George Norton has issued a call to Guyanese to tackle the challenges facing the country head-on in unity.
In his Independence Day message, Dr Norton said Guyana has come a long way, but has much potential to advance beyond where it is today.

As such, he said his ministry endeavours to take the lead in “this vital process of nationhood by nurturing individual and community relationships towards building a more unified country.”
The minister called on Guyanese to reflect on the country’s achievements thus far and resolve to move forward with a spirit of shared nationhood to further realise the country’s motto, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.”

“Let us also use this celebration to display, as best as we can, our national pride, as we must be proud of who we are as a people,” the social cohesion minister said, noting that Guyana 51 years ago broke free from the chains of British rule by gaining Independence.
“This day, each year, remains one of our most significant observances,” he said, pointing out that Guyanese across the country stand in solidarity in observing the milestone which was attained through hard work and the sacrifices of fore parents.

Dr Norton stressed the importance of remembering and recognising all who played an important role in Guyana achieving independence, including the late former Presidents Dr Cheddi Jagan, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, Janet Jagan, the first man in British Guiana to formalise labour negotiations, the late Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, late trade unionist Jocelyn Hubbard, and the late Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, former Agriculture Minister.
“It is because of their hard work and that of many other persons that we are able to chart our own destiny. However, with this right, as is widely expressed, there are responsibilities. Our main responsibility as a people is to continually move Guyana’s development forward with the same resoluteness as our ancestors,” the minister added.