[From the archives of the Guyana Graphic: Published on February 25, 1970]

THE birth of the first Republic Day baby took place at the Georgetown Hospital.

It was disclosed that of the 25 babies born in Georgetown on Republic Day,24 were born at the Georgetown Hospital, while the other baby was born at the Davis Memorial Hospital.

An official of the Georgetown Hospital said that Norma London of Princes Street, Lodge, gave birth to the first baby at 12:03am on Republic Day. The baby which was born in Ward Five of the Maternity Block of the hospital, weighed seven pounds eight ounces. She is the fourth child of the family.

At 12:05am, Frances Byrne, 40, of Zes Kenderen, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, gave birth to her second child at the Davis Memorial Hospital. At the time of birth, the child, a boy, weighed eight pounds eight ounces.

Mr Cyril Plummer, Administrator of the Georgetown Hospital and Dr. Harold Gates, Superintendent of the Davis Memorial Hospital, presented packages to the mothers of babies born on Republic Day.

The packages, which were donated by Zwitsal representatives and De Caires Brothers, contained milk, vitamin tablets and other items.