The day our youths rose to the occasion

IF memory proves correct, Guyana’s first Independence observance was birthed on a midnight, preceding a day on which there was some amount of rainfall; which was not unusual at the time because of the traditional May-June pattern of rainfall.

On Independence Day itself, there was a mix of some rather overcast skies but reasonable amount of sunshine that heralded the beginning of a new chapter in Guyana’s political life.
Since then, this historic day of Guyana’s nationhood, as would be expected, has always been evidenced by mixed weather, because of the time of year when it occurs.

However, last Sunday, on our 53rd Anniversary, save and except for a very slight drizzle, which was perhaps not even felt in some sections of the Capital City, the sun shone in all its brilliance and glory, its golden rays particularly focused on the D’Urban Park Stadium where the event officially unfolded.

It was an unforgettable sight to behold, as thousands of citizens gathered in the stands and wherever there was space available to savour a cultural presentation with a specific difference; one that was particularly youth-oriented. Made up of mostly children of primary and secondary school ages, they came from all across Guyana, at times travelling long distances, from as far as Region One, way up in the Barima-Waini district; the ‘West- Side’, the East Coast; West Coast Berbice, and of course, the capital city, to take centre stage on this historic day.

It was the largest gathering ever of young people, reportedly 5000-strong, taking part in a celebration of nationhood, under the theme: ‘A united Guyanese are we at 53’, and witnessed by not only members of government and the opposition and other dignitaries; visitors from the Diaspora, and, of course, the children’s proud parents and guardians, as well as their teachers and instructors, whose roles in their preparation for this grand occasion are deserving of both our commendation and our gratitude.

And they lived up to the expectation as they effortlessly performed and beautifully executed their choreographed pieces, whether it was the plaiting of the traditional Maypole; in the rhythmic movements of the karatekas; the white-clad segment, as, bat in hand a glorious game of cricket unfolded; the actions of the vaqueros at the Rupununi Rodeo; and what can only be described as a new twist to the ‘Mad-Cow’ dance, set to what sounded like a mix of classical-styled music typical of the American ‘Wild –West’.

‘Independence 53’ will long be remembered for what it illustrated of the accompanying cast that portrayed aspects of Guyana’s rich multi-cultural mosaic in a rich tapestry of national colours that swirled and flowed gracefully like swans in a lake.

It is no accident that this year’s Independence Anniversary coincides with National Youth Week activities. And what better way to highlight the importance of our youth and the important role they are expected to play in the future development of Guyana. For, out of that vibrant and exuberant collective that marched with precision, danced and swayed to the musical beat, depicting so many cultural aspects of national life, are going to be some of the nation’s future leaders; important persons of state; and professionals of all types.

What was willingly highlighted last Independence Day by those thousands of young people was a disciplined display and understanding of the pride which they brought to the pageantry; a pride that they felt at being Guyanese, and love for country. And this feeling was unmistakable in the designated roles they enacted before a packed-to-capacity D’Urban Park crowd. But more important was the undeniable fact that such socio-cultural growth and development of the nation’s youth for a better understanding of their role in a future Guyana has been supported and nurtured by the unstinted support of the David Granger-led coalition, A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change(APNU+AFC) government that youth be advanced in the national pantheon of socio-economic development. And nowhere else is there a better example of this determined fact than in the adopted National Youth Policy, which is about the vision for the nation’s youth.

It is instructive that we are guided by this key instrument and policy for youth development that it is transformational in nature, impacting Guyana in a manner that will ensure unity among our young people, education, training, being safe, “happy , healthy and integrally involved in the decision making processes, while enjoying equality of opportunity and equal access to the resources of our country and are politically economically and socially empowered”, according to President David Granger.

In fact, President Granger has made it quite clear that “the future belongs to young people,” and that the proceeds from economic expansion and diversification will be channeled into securing and safeguarding “our children’s and grandchildren’s future.”
The impressive military display, historical in every way because it has broken with the tradition of the institutional military being a part of this celebration.

Led by the Guyana National Cadet Corps(GNCC), and supported by well-known and traditional youth-oriented organisations such as the Scouts, Girl Guides, schoolchildren, with the Seventh Day Adventist Band Corp and Pathfinders in attendance, was as remarkable as there could have been. Moreover, the hoisting of the National Flag by two members of the GNCC, is an indication that our youth are indeed prepared to take their responsibilities seriously in preparing for their place in a future Guyana where the good life beckons all, not just a chosen few!