ONE cornerstone of good governance is decentralisation. The APNU+AFC coalition has made clear that the entirety of Guyana’s lands must be developed, all peoples must have equal opportunities for a good life, and regardless of where we live, Guyanese should take pride in, and ownership of their communities.

One of President Granger’s initiatives, to foster and nurture that pride, is the introduction of regional flags and emblems. Those symbols of regional identity will give Guyanese a sense of belonging to their unique landscape culture, and particularly art, music, ethos, and philosophy.

Guyana is a vast and diverse country; under the colonial system, Guyana was divided into areas that served the purposes of the colonial masters. No thought was given to the development of the people. On August 5, 1980, then Minister of Economic Development and Co-operatives, Mr. Hugh Desmond Hoyte, tabled a document in the National Assembly titled, “STATE PAPER ON THE RE-ORGANISATION OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM IN GUYANA.”

About the colonial system, the document stated, “The Local Government System has for many years now attracted widespread criticism. Councillors and others who administer or are closely associated with the system have complained about its inadequacies and problems. Citizens who should be the beneficiaries of a properly administered and effective local government system have complained about its virtual ineffectualness. Undoubtedly, the problems are legion and deep-seated and, on all sides, there is unanimity that these should be resolved as urgently as possible. Indeed, for some time now, the Guyana Association of Local Authorities has been urging with persuasive insistence that the extant system is outmoded and should be replaced. On an objective analysis, it has been generally agreed that the problems are inherent in the very structure of the system and cannot be resolved by merely tinkering with it. What is required is a complete thorough-going re-organisation.”

The document, which forms the basis of the first constitution which was formulated by Guyanese for Guyanese also states “The existing system has had its origins in colonial times, was cast in a colonial mould and is riddled with the inhibiting defects of a colonial institution. The worst of these defects is a lack of self-reliance and self-sufficiency and a resulting dependence on the political centre.”

The document proposes to solve the problem by the following clause: “The development of Local Government areas should not depend upon accidental circumstances; for example, whether or not they are fortunate enough to have a sugar factory or a mining enterprise within their boundaries. The revenue of local authorities should not depend merely or primarily on rates or taxes. Hence the importance of ensuring that local authorities areas have an ample economic base.”

All Local Authority Areas (LAAs) under our constitution, therefore, are configured to be self-sufficient, independent, autonomous, and proud. As such, President Granger has proposed that each region has a dignified and nationally-recognised flag and emblem. Such symbols will instil pride of ownership in our various communities as we work towards national unity in a diverse social environment.

President Granger wrote the following: “The Barima-Waini region gets its name from its two main rivers. The region is predominantly forested highland, bordered at the north by a narrow strip of low coastal plain . . . The colours will be green and gold to represent the two main economic activities– gold and diamond mining– and forestry. The symbol on the flag will be the leatherback turtle which is found on the famous Shell Beach.
“The Pomeroon-Supenaam region comprises highland and low coastal plain, but also takes in a small portion of the hilly sand and clay region. The gold and green colours will represent the many waterways and the main economic activity– rice farming. The symbol will be a rice stalk.

“The Essequibo Islands-West Demerara Region is made up of the islands in the Essequibo River such as Leguan and Wakenaam, and the western portion of mainland Demerara. It is made up of low coastland, hilly sand and clay, and a portion of forested highland regions. The colours for this flag are green to represent the rich agricultural value, black to represent the endurance of the people, and white to depict the water resources. The symbol is the M.V. Malali.

“The Demerara-Mahaica Region extends east of the Demerara River to the western bank of the Mahaica River, and is predominantly low coastal plain, with a small portion of the hilly sand and clay region. Since Region 4 is the main economic centre of Guyana, the colours of the flag include red for the zeal and dynamic nature of the people, black for their strength and endurance and the symbol is the iconic Stabroek Clock.

“The Mahaica-Berbice Region extends east of the Mahaica River to the west bank of the Berbice River. The colours for this flag will be green to represent their strong agricultural economic value and black to represent the strength of the people. The symbol is an image of a rice farmer planting rice.

“The East Berbice-Corentyne Region is the only one to include parts of all the four natural [geographic] regions: coastal plain, intermediate savannah, hilly and sandy clay area and forested highland. The colours used for this flag are green, to represent the rich agricultural heritage and red to represent the zeal of the people. The symbol is the sugar cane.
“The Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region contains two of the four natural regions: forested highlands and a small portion of the hilly sand and clay geographic region. The colours of this flag are yellow, for the obvious and significant mineral wealth; white for the water resources and green for the heavily forested areas. The symbol is an illustration of traditional gold mining, a key economic earner for the region and country.

“The Potaro-Siparuni Region gets its name from the Potaro and Siparuni Rivers, which are tributaries of the Essequibo River. The flagship tourism product of Guyana is found in this region, so this will be used as the symbol. For colours, they will be green, black and yellow for forestry, strength of the people and mineral wealth respectively.

“The Kanuku and Kamoa highlands and the vast Rupununi Savannahs make up the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo region. The symbol is proposed to be the national bird– the Harpy Eagle– in flight, and the colours green for forest wealth, red for zeal of the people and white for the water resources.

“The inland region of Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice contains the largest portion of the hilly sand and clay area. Bauxite is what Region 10 has been well known for, so the plant or bauxite mining site will be the symbol. The colours will be yellow because of the mining history of the region and black for the strength of the people of that Region.” Guyana has a richly diverse heritage. We, as a people, must celebrate and be proud of our diversity.