Saturday evening, Region 7 residents joined the rest of the country in celebrating Guyana’s 47th Independence Anniversary.

This regional celebration was attended by Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker, who, in his address, saluted those persons who have made significant contributions towards Guyana achieving independence.
Expressing  his pleasure in ushering in Guyana’s 47th independence anniversary in Region 7, Minister Whittaker indicated that those persons who made, and are still making, contributions towards Guyana’s state of independence include teachers, health workers, the elderly, farmers, armed forces, slaves, indentured labourers and the early political leaders such as the late Presidents Forbes Burnham and Cheddi Jagan.
“Independence means developing certain skills, acquiring certain knowledge, acquiring the resources, the experiences that will enable us to move forward with as little intervention as possible…when you talk independence, you are talking about people who are knowledgeable and educated enough to stand on their own feet, and be able to channel the path forward,” he said.
Minister Whittaker also saluted the miners who have been making contributions towards Guyana’s economy. However, he cautioned them not to solely depend on mining, since there are adverse risks and  fluctuation in the price of gold. Currently, gold prices have dropped significantly.
“The records would show that over 400,000 ounces of gold resulted in significant earning of royalties which made possible even further development,” the minister highlighted.
He acknowledged that Guyana has been doing better since it gained independence, and this is not without difficulties and challenges, and periods where the country seemed to be stagnated and divided.
Nevertheless, Guyana enjoys the respect of many other countries because it is an example of a progressive nation.
“We are no longer a nation of beggars…our education system is about the best in the Caribbean. Our health care has improved tremendously, and we still remain the bread-basket of the Caribbean, notwithstanding the challenges that we have been facing…I am proud of the progress that we have made,” the Minister said.
He noted that Region 7 has also been a part of the progress made in Guyana, and while there is still a long way to go; the Cabinet has determined that tremendous emphasis must be placed on infrastructural development in the Region. This is reflected in increases in the budget allocations for the social sectors in Region 7.
Minister Whittaker emphasised that President Donald Ramotar has called for more attention to be placed on roads, drainage, and on garbage collection in the region.
Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford told the residents of the developmental projects that will be carried out this year, which include an extension to the Bartica hospital, construction of a new school in Kako, repairs to the regional guest house and regatta pavilion, and a hostel in Upper Mazaruni.
He called on the residents to be mindful of the work so that they can get value for the money being invested.