–at impressive flag-raising ceremony

By Indrawattie Natram

THE Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) Administration on Sunday morning laid on an impressive flag-raising ceremony to mark Guyana’s turning 53.
The programme proper commenced after the traditional March Past by members of the Disciplined Forces and and the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead in the compound of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

The event also saw calls for unity and social cohesion from leaders of the three main religious communities, namely the Christian, Muslim and Hindu faiths.

And in his address to the gathering, which saw among those in attendance Regional Officials, Commander of ‘G’ Division Khalid Pareshram, schoolchildren and their parents, and residents of the wider Region Two other than villages on the Essequibo Coast, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Mr. Denis Jaikarran said that in observing the day, one must remember the sterling contributions of Linden Sampson Forbes Burnham, founder of the People’s National Congress (PNC) party, the country’s first Executive President. He said that gratitude must be given to the late president for his efforts and struggles for Guyana’s Independence in 1966.

Before delivering his address, Jaikarran called upon prominent members of the Essequibo community, Mrs. Doreen Duncan, businessmen Samad Baksh and Daleep Singh, and PNC Region 2 Chairman Prince Holder to join him on stage as he extended Independence Day Greetings to the people of Essequibo on behalf of President David Granger.

‘HERE TO STAY’  

And, speaking of sterling performances, Mr. Jaikarran said that if one were to look closely at the performance of the Coalition Government since it took office three years ago, one would see the tremendous progress that has been achieved. He said that while many are loathe to admit this, or are too ashamed to do so, the evidence speaks for itself, and is enough to guarantee a return to office of the current adminstration come next elections, whenever it is held,
regardless of the circumstances.

This vote of confidence of sorts in the Coalition Government was met with a resounding round of applause, signaling that the crowd was in total agreement with the REO that the Coalition is here to stay, and for the long haul as he predicted.

In her short but informative address, Ms. Duncan, a longstanding member of the People’s National Congress (PNC) party, took the audince back down memory lane to what Guyana was like before it gained Independence.

“I can tell you the struggles weren’t easy,” she said. “The only way we could continue the progress is for us to work; build and co-operate with each other.”

Businessman and Regional Councillor (RDC), Samad Baksh said he vividly remembers attending the very first Independence ceremony in Georgetown. He particularly recalled the pomp and energy, and called on his fellow Essequibians to work together and re-establish that commitment; that will to move Guyana forward.

Former President of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce, businessman Daleep Singh also called for unity, saying that although Guyana has gained its independence, there is yet more work to be done in terms of cohesion. He called on Essequibians to put aside their petty differences and work in the best interest of the county.

The programme featured performances from the Khandiya and Mainstay Dance Troupes and the CV Nunes Primary and Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary Schools.
Also participating in the march past this year were students of the Cotton Field Secondary School.