IN observance of Guyana’s 54th Republic Anniversary, the Regional Democratic Council of Region Six, hosted its annual flag-raising ceremony on the lawns of State House, New Amsterdam, on Thursday evening.

Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, in delivering the feature address, highlighted the significant role East Berbice and its residents has played in Guyana becoming a Republic.

“Because we are marking this occasion in Region Six and because this is the Region Six observance of Republic Day, I want to place on record the remarkable contribution that Region Six has made to the building and making of the Republic today. I believe as residents of Region Six, we have every right to be proud of the role that this region has played in forging and contributing and building the Republic of Guyana as we know it today.”

Dr. Singh pointed to the many instances throughout history where Berbicians played significant roles in events such as the Berbice slave uprising, the fight against indentureship and the fight for independence.

He noted that the contributions of Berbice and Berbicians are not only limited to political and economic success but to various facets of life such as sports, culture and education, which have helped to build the country over the past 54 years.

In continuing, he said that despite such remarkable achievements, Berbicians should not sit back and be content but rather, they should look to the future to make an even greater contribution.

Dr. Singh believes that given the current trajectory, Berbice is poised to make an even greater contribution in the next 50 years. He highlighted major projects such as Guyana’s first oil refinery, which have commenced in Berbice or will soon be launched.

“I cite these examples and not an exhaustive list but a selected sample of examples to say to you that we are on the verge of Region Six playing an even bigger role in national life and economic life and sporting life and in social and cultural life in the next 54 years of our Republic and beyond. We have a duty as we celebrate our 54th Republic Anniversary in Region Six to recommit to our Region, making an even bigger mark in national life going forward,” he said.

Dr. Singh highlighted the many developments in Guyana before cautioning those gathered to not allow seeds of division to be sown but rather unite as one and commit to building a prosperous Guyana for all Guyanese.

“We must first and foremost recommit ourselves to the oneness of Guyana, comprising Essequibo to the West, Demerara in the centre and Berbice to the East; one Guyana comprising our three counties as we have always historically known it. We must equally recommit ourselves to the oneness of our nation comprising persons whose ancestry can be traced to different parts of the world.”

INVESTMENTS AND TRANSFORMATION

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, David Armogan, took the audience down memory lane as he spoke of the pivotal moment in 1970 when Guyana shred its colonial bonds.

He reflected on Guyana’s journey to becoming a republic, intertwining the historical significance of this transformation with a vision for the future that places Berbice at the heart of unprecedented development.

He spoke of the region being transformed by investments in infrastructure, health, education, and agriculture and much more, signalling a new era of prosperity and opportunity for citizens.

The anticipated construction of a bridge connecting Guyana to Suriname and the development of a new four-lane highway were cited as pivotal projects that would enhance connectivity and economic activity, further boosting Berbice’s development trajectory.

In his address, the regional chairman called for unity and collective action, while urging every citizen to contribute to Guyana’s development.

He emphasised the importance of working together beyond political or personal differences.

“So my call to you is to ensure that each and every one of us play our part in our county’s development and make sure that we work in unity; that we work in harmony, work in togetherness and put our political differences aside, and put our shoulders to the wheel to ensure we make sure that we make our individual contribution to the development of our region and by extension our country,” he said.

He spoke of a future where Berbice, and Guyana as a whole, would reach unprecedented heights of development and prosperity. This future, he asserted, would be within reach if everyone works hand-in-hand, fostering a spirit of inclusivity, innovation, and perseverance.

“So, it’s incumbent on us as citizens of Guyana to ensure that we heed the call of His Excellency, the President of our country to ensure that we work and build one Guyana. That is the only way we will be able to progress. If we continue to be divided, if you continue to be disunited, we will go nowhere. The President’s call is very important and very opportune and so as Guyanese we all have a very important role to play in the development of our country,” he said.

Also delivering remarks was Regional Executive Officer, Narindra Persaud, who also took the time to urge attendees to recommit to building a society where every citizen can fulfill their potential and contribute to the common good, while standing together as one nation, one people, strong and united.

“As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let us not only remember but also embody the national motto: “One People, One Nation, One Destiny,” making these words an integral part of their lives and actions”.

Drumming, songs, dances, calypsos and steel pan music were among the items on the programme that provided entertainment for the audience.