–at annual Independence celebration

By Vanessa Braithwaite in New York

As the Golden Arrowhead flew high and decorated the skies at the Preston Court Brooklyn, New York, scores of Guyanese living in the New York Tri-State area fanned the flames of patriotism at a grand flag-raising ceremony on Sunday.

The occasion, which was preceded by a parade, was held to celebrate Guyana’s 53rd Independence Anniversary. The atmosphere was permeated with expressions of solidarity and loyalty to country by members of the Diaspora who donned national colours.

Gracing the event held annually were Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife Sita, along with members of the diplomatic corps, including Guyana’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Michael Ten Pow and Consul-General to New York City, Barbara Atherly.
The prime minister, who represented President David Granger, performed the duty of grand marshal of the parade and the military procession.

The parade, which saw a sizeable crowd joining the contingent of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Officers, who performed ceremonial honours, commenced around 12:00hrs at Church and Utica Avenues and concluded Preston Court.

There, many Guyanese waited to witness the flag-raising ceremony, which was followed by a unity concert. Guyanese stood to attention and recited the National Anthem before witnessing the hoisting of the national flag.

In his feature address, Prime Minister Nagamootoo reminded the audience that there is need for all Guyanese to live in unity, irrespective of ethnicity, as Guyana is a country with one nationality.

“Guyana is a place of many ethnicities, but one nationality. And today, we are flying one flag; the Guyana flag. The Golden Arrowhead; the flag of our Motherland,” the prime minister said, adding:

“So when we celebrate the independence of our country, we must realise that our foreparents made sacrifices; they paid the supreme price for winning this freedom. So it does not matter where you are, you are a Guyanese; you are a patriot, and you would celebrate the occasion such as this every year.”

The Diaspora was urged not to forget their great land, Guyana, the Motherland. With Guyana at the cusp of becoming a very wealthy nation, the prime minister urged all Guyanese to equally contribute to its becoming a model of unity and prosperity.
The audience was also urged to remain confident in the coalition government under the Presidency of David Granger; to take the country safely into the new paradise that is awaiting.

ON THE RIGHT TRACK
“We do not have to look back anymore. Guyana is on the right track; we are moving forward, and this is the only leap we must do right now. That is to move our country forward; make sure that it is secure. Make sure that it is strong, and I can guarantee you that with the continuation of the Granger- Nagamootoo Coalition Government and the APNU-AFC Coalition, Guyana is secure,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo said.
According to Ambassador to Ten Pow, 2019 is a very important year for Guyana, as it is on the brink of economic independence, with first oil just around the corner.
“It marks a turning point for Guyana as a nation… We are now on the brink of economic independence… We are on the path of transformation to being an economically successful country,” he said.

Consul-General Barbara Atherly also urged Guyanese to respect the freedom of Guyana’s Independence and motto, One People, One Nation and One Destiny.
Chairman of the Guyana Independence Celebration, Rickford Burke emphasised the importance of unity, and urged Guyanese at the ceremony to continue to have confidence in the Coalition Government.

Their messages were favourably received by the crowd who waved their flags and cheered the respective speakers. Medical student, Kenisha Washington, who hails from Bagotville, on the West Bank Demerara, attended the event with her friends. She said it evoked in her a spirit of patriotism.
Shemeka Barrow, a Linden resident, who attended the event with her daughter, expressed similar sentiments.

“It’s a good vibe being here, meeting up with friends, seeing old faces, being in an atmosphere of Guyanese accent, Guyanese music and food. It’s like giving you energy to go on for months until you are able to go home,” she said.
Soon after the flag-raising event, a Unity Concert followed, which saw performances from several local artistes.