– as PNC celebrates 62nd anniversary

By Naomi Marshall

AMID much pomp and ceremony, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) ushered in its 62nd anniversary with a rich street parade, cultural programme and motorcade.

On Saturday, over 60 buses and hundreds of persons journeyed from across the country to join thousands in Linden in celebrating yet another year of PNCR’s worthwhile existence.
Hundreds of PNCR supporters made the 67-mile journey from Georgetown to Linden, waving their PNCR flags along the way.

Upon entering the mining town of Linden, the motorcade was welcomed by thousands of residents who were anxiously awaiting the arrival of the procession.
“Follow the leader! Who is the Leader? Granger! Granger! Granger!” shouted thousands of persons amid the sound of drums as they waved the party’s flag and the Golden Arrowhead.

The sweet sound of music prompted persons to dance and tramp as they rejoiced along the streets of Linden. But this was only the start of the merrymaking, which saw the grand entrance of President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger, as they led an orchestra band to Congress Square.

That marked the beginning of the cultural programme, which was dominated by the young and talented youths of Linden. It symbolised how the Party intends using the youths of Guyana, by allowing them to take up their rightful places as leaders of beautiful Guyana.
The cultural programme was opened with a beautiful rendition in song by Linden Mayor Waneka Arrindell. The iconic poet, Yvonne

DOWN MEMORY LANE
Drakes then took to the stage with her dramatic poem that carried the audience down memory lane.

“Thank God for our party, thank God for leaders that have a vision but their vision will not become reality without you and me,” stated Drakes during her presentation.
She followed this up by saying: “Haste and rush Linden people, or you will be out of place under the new taste. Adjust in every place, whether colour, religion or race. Now is not time to turn your back or your face, or you would lose your space. Linden people, changes are taking place in every place.”

The crowd was also kept entertained by dances from the ‘Block 22 Dance Troope’; songs by Region 10’s choir; a poem by Zoe Sills; and a musical rendition by Reverend Richard McDonald.

Sixty-two electronic tablets were distributed to students of Region 10 and its neighbouring communities who excelled at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examination. The presentation was done by PNCR General Secretary and Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally.

SIGNATURE POSE
President Granger, amid loud screams and shouts of “Granger, Granger” did not disappoint when he struck what has come to be regarded as his signature pose, much to the fascination of his supporters as they cheered him to the podium where he delivered the feature address.

President Granger also gave five bicycles to five students within Linden in the hope that the gesture will help ease their transportation issues for them.

There was also the sticking of the traditional cake by President Granger, who was ably assisted by Minister with responsibility for Housing Annette Ferguson.

Wrapping up the event was Janea Bristol, Junior Mayor of Linden, who thanked the President for all he has been doing for the country, particularly the nation’s young people. She highlighted the ‘5Bs Initiative’ and elaborated on how she anxiously awaits the day tertiary education within Guyana will become free once again.

The event, which celebrated the birthday of the establishment of PNCR, was held under the theme, “The vanguard for a decade of development through education”.

The People’s National Congress (PNC) was founded in 1957 by the late Forbes Burnham, Guyana’s first executive president.