FLAG RAISING AT PUBLIC BUILDINGS

Feb 24, 2015 News

Guyana’s symbol of independence, the Golden Arrowhead, was early yesterday morning hoisted in the forecourt of the Public Buildings in the presence of the Commander-in-Chief, President Donald Ramotar, and other military top brass to mark 45 years of Guyana being a Republic.
The flag was hoisted with the traditional 21-gun salute.

President Ramotar inspecting the Guard of Honour.

Preceeding the flag raising was the arrival of the Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds and his wife. The Prime Minister was accorded a general salute and with all protocols observed, Hinds partook in his final Republic Day flag raising ceremony in his capacity as Prime Minister. His actions were being keenly observed by Elisabeth Harper, who was selected by the People’s Progressive Party to be his successor.
When President Ramotar and his wife arrived, he was accorded the Presidential Salute and was then invited to inspect the Guard of Honour.
Prayers were offered by representatives of the Muslim, Christian and Hindu Communities, the three main religions in the country. The prayers included requests for peace, unity and economic prosperity of Guyana. Religious leaders also prayed for Guyana to be protected from plagues and natural disasters.
It was also asked of God that he gives political leaders the wisdom needed to run Guyana in a way that will make the nation bloom.
The event was attended by a number of Diplomats, Ministers of Government, and the public who assembled across the road to observe the proceedings.
The Guyana Police Force Band Corps and choir led the audience in Patriotic Songs and the National Anthem.
Guyana gained Republican status on February 23, 1970, close to four years after it achieved Independence.
Even as the somber flag raising ceremony was ongoing, Soca music was already blasting as Mash celebrations got off to an early start.
Mashramani, often abbreviated to “Mash”, is an annual festival that celebrates Guyana becoming a Republic. The word “Mashramani” is derived from an Amerindian dialect and in translation means “the celebration after a job well done.”