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Cultivate values of struggle and sacrifice – Jagdeo

May 26, 2009 News

President Bharrat Jagdeo last night urged those who bore witness to Independence 43 years ago to be inspired by that patriotism, to spare no effort in cultivating in the present and future generations, the values of struggle and sacrifice for the cause of Guyana.
“This annual observance is intended to celebrate the attainment of this important status as a nation, and to ensure that no Guyanese ever forgets the struggle that was successfully waged in the long road to securing the birth of independent Guyana,” he told the thousands who gathered at the National Park for the annual celebrations to mark Independence from Britain.
He acknowledged the contributions of those who fought valiantly, “even dying so that we could live a life of freedom.”
“This freedom we earned at Independence was not absolute but was one we have constantly had to defend and protect, just as the next generation and the generations to come will have to safeguard and secure the boundaries of true independence,” Mr Jagdeo said, just before a glittering ceremony punctuated by songs and dances of the country’s different cultures.
He said the period since the country’s colonial experience, until today, Guyana has had to overcome adversity in all forms and fashion, both within and outside its borders, “in order to continue to give true meaning to our independence and to build a nation in which our citizens can realise their aspirations.”
Mr Jagdeo told the gathering that struggle has become a necessary part of the life of Guyanese.
“We are here today because of the resolve of our forebears to struggle indefatigably for our day in the sun. The theatre of our battles has been everywhere – streets, chambers, press, courts and markets.
“Men, women, and children, believers and non believers have been in the struggle for Guyana. That we have prevailed stands testimony to the righteousness of our struggle and to the commitment and resolve of our fighters.”
However, he said, today the fight is keener, given the global fuel, food and economic crises. However, he boasted of what he said was his government’s “swift and focused” response which he said was directed at protecting the welfare of the working people and the most vulnerable.
“Our strategy was aimed at ensuring the continued availability of affordable supplies of basic necessities and restricting the “pass through” of imported price increases,” Jagdeo stated.
Mr Jagdeo said the collapse of the ideology of unfettered markets and the election of Barack Obama as the President of the United States, have created the opportunity and hope for the reform of colonial and post-colonial international relations and institutions such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the World Trade Organization.
The President said his key concern is the preservation and advancement of welfare gains, and said his administration will continue to improve access to housing, potable water, electricity, education and health care.
Mr Jagdeo also used his Independence Day address to trump up his climate change efforts to ensure that a future global pact to safeguard the world’s climate will reward countries, like Guyana, which have preserved their forestry resources.
The President ended his speech reflecting on the successes and challenges of the past and asked Guyanese to keep in mind the struggles and toils of those who fought for Independence and democracy.
“They have brought us this far; it is for this generation and the generations to come to continue the journey that would lead to a safe, united and prosperous Guyana, one in which every citizen would be able to hold his or her head proudly and affirm his citizenship to this great land that we call our home.”

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