–President Ali says, points to consistent efforts to enhance Guyana’s national values

IN the face of ongoing challenges, President Dr Irfaan Ali has said that the country’s national unity and the surge of patriotism reflects a conscious effort by the government to address not only external challenges, but also to instill a strong sense of national values among citizens, especially the youths.

President Ali, during his recent address at a Private Sector Commission (PSC) event, referenced the surge in unity and patriotism that was observed when the country faced aggressive threats from Venezuela, and again when the nation suffered a tremendous loss, when five of the country’s bravest soldiers died in a tragic helicopter accident.

Brigadier Gary Beaton, Project Engineer, GOG; Colonel Michael Shahoud, Commander of First Infantry Battalion; Lt. Col Michael Charles, Pilot; Lt. Col Sean Welcome, Commanding Officer Reserve Battalion; and Warrant Officer Class II, Jason Khan of 31 Special Forces Squadron died tragically when the helicopter they were travelling in crashed in the Mazaruni area.

The Bell 412 army helicopter occupied by the men and piloted by Lt Col Charles, lost signal some 30 miles from Guyana’s border near Venezuela.

Lieutenant Andio Crawford and Corporal Wayne Jackson, who were also on board, survived the tragic crash.
The seven-man team was on a mission to visit troops stationed on the ground at the country’s western border.

During the past month, military presence had been multiplied at that location due to the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela.

President Ali, in his recent address, began by acknowledging the remarkable resilience displayed by Guyanese citizens during times of hardship, sorrow, and national challenges.

He noted the unwavering ability of the people to come together, highlighting that this spirit is essential not just in moments of pain, but as a continuous force that unites the nation.

“It is the same spirit that moves us and our country needs most, [it] is this same spirit that is required continuously every day, every second, to move us together as One Guyana.

“It cannot be the pain of the moment that drives us together. Pain of the moment teaches us that we have the ability to come together, that we have the ability to love each other, that we have the ability to lift each other up, and that is a valuable lesson,” President Ali said.

The President drew attention to the current surge in nationalistic and patriotic sentiments within the country.

He expressed pride in witnessing small children proudly wearing t-shirts featuring the Guyana map and young people rekindling their connection with the nation.

President Ali sees this as an opportunity for a positive shift, pointing out the importance of retaining this newfound nationalistic fervour as a permanent part of the Guyanese identity.
“In every challenge, there’s an opportunity. Today, I see small children proudly wearing t-shirts with the Guyana map, small children speaking glowingly about the Essequibo. I see young people realigning themselves with their country. Let this reminder remain a permanent part of who we are as Guyanese,” he said.

In response to Venezuela’s aggressive rhetoric, Guyana had launched a nationwide awareness campaign to ensure that all citizens are informed about the border controversy and to foster a collective sense of unity.

The nationwide Circle of Unity event, part of this broader campaign, witnessed active participation from schools, businesses, and individuals from every race, contributing to a harmonious night of patriotic reflection at the National Stadium, Providence.

President Ali sees this inclusive fight against external threats as a testament to the strength of the Guyanese people when united.

Earlier this month, President Ali met with Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro at the Argyle International Airport in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where there was a commitment to peace.
The meeting was facilitated by the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, and was observed by Brazil, CARICOM, and a UN Under-Secretary-General.

This historic meeting culminated in what is now known as the “Argyle Declaration,” an 11-point agreement which addresses matters consequential to the border controversy, including the fact that Guyana holds firmly to its position that the substantive case is before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).