— Garrido-Lowe urges Region Two administration

MINISTER within the Ministry Indigenous People’s Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, has challenged the Region Two administration to continue being a model region, as she joined residents there in celebrating Guyana’s 51st independence anniversary.
Minister Garrido-Lowe was at the time speaking at the flag-raising ceremony at Damon Square, Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, Region Two.

She said despite the difficult circumstances that led to independence, “we are beginning to mature and settle into nationhood. Ours has been a history rich in diversity, challenges, success and growth.”
However, she noted that “in the first half of our independent nation, if we are to be honest with ourselves, we have under-achieved and we look to the next 50 years for exceptional growth, development and prosperity.”
Region Two is also one of the most productive agricultural regions, and the minister pointed out that “from your rice to your coconuts, to cash crops to your fish, you play an integral role in feeding Guyana.

“This Government sees a central role for Region Two and the Essequibo Coast, not only in producing agricultural produce, but also in broadening your involvement in value-added products. This is an area that you have already begun to lead with coconut oil, cereal and a number of other products. It has been your ingenuity and industriousness which has driven this process, sometimes, against great odds.”
This, according to the minister, “is testimony to the Guyanese spirit, which must be at the centre of our development thrust.”
Essequibians, the minister noted, are also exceptional environmentalists, pointing out that “visitors to this region are always impressed with and marvel at how clean and neat you have your yards, roadside and environs. You are leaders in this regard. The rest of Guyana can use your region as a model. I offer you my highest commendations for this.”
The minister added: “We have talents, skills, intellect and other admirable human attributes which once we work together, will pole vault Guyana forward into a modern, model nation-state.”

Meanwhile, in echoing the minister’s sentiments, Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt said that since gaining independence, all Guyanese must endeavour to ensure that “there is no place for those who seek to sow division of our people.”
Many national personalities are from Region Two. Among them are international cricketer Ronsford Beaton; Utam Kumar, the winner of the 5k wheelchair race; and Joel Fredericks, current chair of the National Toshaos Council.
Residents were also reminded that the Foundation for the Good Life for All Guyanese is belatedly beginning to take shape.
The flag-raising ceremony also had in attendance Member of Parliament Hemraj Rajkumar, former Member of Parliament Isahak Basir, regional officials, toshaos, members of the Disciplined Forces and hinterland scholarship students.