– at Region Four flag-raising ceremony

ATTORNEY General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC, underscored the importance of Guyana attaining republican status at the Region Four flag-raising ceremony held in honour of Guyana’s 49th Republic Anniversary.

In his address on Friday, the AG explained that a republic is a sovereign state or country which is governed by elected individuals representing the citizenry. The elected leaders, though forming part of the Executive — a branch of government – is bound to act in accordance with the rule of law.

Underscoring the importance of sovereignty and the rule of law to Guyana’s development, he said, “It is important that the law is deployed to protect our advancement in this world and so you can’t advance and leave the people behind. The law is there to guarantee the safety, the welfare and well-being of each and every Guyanese.”

The minister further added that as part of the rights enshrined in the constitution since becoming fully sovereign in 1970, every citizen has the right to adequate and competent legal representation, regardless of socio-economic status.

To this end, the AG believes that upholding the sacred constitution is paramount to the development of all Guyanese and that every citizen has the right to access legal services in spite of location. He further encouraged the younger audience to know their country’s history and to be informed in order to understand the true significance of the celebration of republican status.

The crowd gathered at the Regional Democratic Council compound at Triumph on the East Coast of Demerara was also serenaded with cultural performances by winners from the various children’s Mashramani competitions.