PRESIDENT David Granger on Friday, February 14, popularly celebrated as St Valentine’s Day, fulfilled a promise he had made to senior citizens at a function hosted by First Lady Sandra Granger last December 2019, at the Baridi Benab, State House.
On that occasion, the President had promised to again host the senior citizens at a Republic Jubilee Luncheon at the same venue. Guyana’s 50th Golden Jubilee Republic Anniversary will be celebrated on February 23.

With a beautifully decorated backdrop of balloons representing the colours of the national flag, `The Golden Arrowhead’, behind him, the Head of State yesterday reminded the attendees, all of whom looked resplendent in their attire, that he wanted them to reminisce how they felt 50 years ago, and feel a part of the national celebration which is of great political significance.

On that occasion, February 23, 1970, he recalled that Guyana severed the final ties with the United Kingdom and therefore no longer had any allegiance to the British country, unlike some other countries.

The audience broke into rapturous applause when President Granger disclosed that he and the First Lady were married in 1970, and that this year they too are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary,

Alluding to what he likened as another celebration, President Granger recalled that on February 14, 2015, five years ago, the party which he leads and the partnership of which he is the chairman, the A Partnership of National Unity (APNU) signed an accord with the Alliance For Change (AFC). “That signature, that agreement, lead to the formation of the longest-lasting coalition in politics in the history of this country,” he remarked.

He also told the gathering that yesterday, February 14, 2020, the coalition also launched its manifesto, which will relate to elections to be held on March 2, 2020. “So today, February 14, lots of things happened apart from falling in love,” the Head of State quipped, again to loud applause.

According to him, coming together at a time of this important republic anniversary is important to us as Guyanese. He reiterated that he wanted the seniors, those of us who were adults at that time, on February 23, 1970, to remember the magic, the magic of being members of an elite state, being citizens of a sovereign state. He reminded that [members] of the army no longer wore crowns, we [ the people] got permission for the first time, we no longer regarded ourselves as British citizens.

“So for us who were young at that time, it was a moment of tremendous pride and today we have asked you to come here to remember that pride and to share that pride with future generations,” President Granger added, as he thanked the seniors for being present.
As he concluded, “next year February let’s meet again,” the audience responded with a loud “Yes” and cheers.

Earlier, the First Lady was herself in a witty mood when she jocularly introduced President Granger to speak briefly to the audience, as “My Valentine.”

As a token of appreciation, each senior was presented with a gift bag containing memorable items.

Adding much fillip to the occasion was a beautiful and emotional interpretive dance to the spiritual song, ‘The Battle is not yours, it is the Lord’s,’ by Ms Bernice Brutus of the Newtown Assemblies of God Church. As she danced gracefully, it was obvious that the piece was particularly for President Granger. Ras Camo also entertained with recorded national and spiritual songs