50th Independence Anniversary logo launched

Oct 11, 2015 News

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• Collective efforts needed for Grand 2016 celebration

 

By Mondale Smith

To ensure that the 50^th Independence anniversary celebration is among the first steps towards a common future for all Guyanese, organizers say that they are working to create an inclusive and meaningful event through sharing of collective memories of the last 50 years.

As part of the process, on Friday Compton Babb and Christopher Taylor earned their place in history as the designers of the golden jubilee logo, and for that they are $150,000 richer.

From a lineup of 64 entries they were announced as the winners Friday during the official launch of the signature Logo at the National Cultural Center.

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Nicolette Henry, dubbed the event the first set of steps towards what is hoped to be a truly inclusive and unforgettable celebration.

Both Babb and Taylor expressed elation at the win. Explaining the concept artist/animator Babb age 33 said the logo is centered on the number “50” representing Guyana’s golden independence anniversary and the celebration of resilience, commitment, stability and self-determination.

Taylor, age 20, a graphic designer said, “the front design of the ‘50’ illustrates the elegance, artistry and cooperativeness of our people, While the Jaguar represents the strength, power, ferocity, and valour of our multi-ethnic society (united we stand…) Roaring with bravery and aggressiveness as we celebrate and charge towards the future as one people, one nation, working towards one common destiny.”

Minister Henry said the 50-year mark is a profound milestone for the nation, as it is in the life of any person, and any group of people…we come closer to wisdom about the people and things that are truly important to us, even as we acknowledge that we can live to 100 and still not have all the answers to life.”

She reminded those gathered for the logo launch that, 50 is especially meaningful. According to her, efforts at moving forward as a nation has not been without challenges along the way, some of which have at times been colossal.

“Resource scarcity, public health challenges, economic crises, the fracturing forces of globalization – there has been no shortage of challenges to test our resolve. But we know through the hard work under the stewardship of committed leaders, and with the cohesiveness and togetherness of Guyanese to strive and stand as one people, we will make great progress and beat stiff odds to get to a better place.  We will build a jewel of a country – but more important than that, we will build a home where we celebrate our diversity even as we stand united in our shared values and beliefs,” asserted the Minister.

Sharing further projections, the Minister said 2016 will be an opportunity to reflect and celebrate. She added that “we will look back on how far we have come together as a nation.  But turning 50 is as much about looking forward as it is about looking back.  Just as the achievements of our pioneers and fellow Guyanese in the last 50 years fill us with pride, I hope we all are looking towards the next 50 years with a sense of promise and possibility. To celebrate GUY50.”

She noted that Guyanese will celebrate not just “all that makes us one people but also celebrate and build on the shared aspirations and common future that will keep us as one people tomorrow.”

The Minister stressed the importance of inclusive celebration to truly celebrate as one people, adding that such a move is about getting many people – everyone to come alive with ideas.  “I am glad to be joined on the Guyana 50^th planning and working committees by members from all walks of life, and who bring diverse and valuable views,” added the Minister who noted that “Guyana’s 50^th birthday belongs to all Guyanese so it is important that everyone share their different ideas, and feel that the celebrations belong to them.”

Minister Henry moreover, invited everyone, whether young or old, to share with her Ministry and the planning committee what they can to ensure they know how the public wishes to celebrate the nation’s 50^th birthday. “We encourage you to share your ideas on the Ministry’s website (www.mcys.gov.gy),” said the Minister.

A website specific to the 50^th anniversary will be launched shortly but the public can also drop suggestions at the Ministry or Secretariat as she believes that the collection drive will last for two months, until November 30, 2015. The committee, according to her, will then examine each suggestion. “If you have ideas that will help us all celebrate in a truly Guyanese spirit, please come forward and share them, and make this really our celebration.  Ideas are welcome from everyone, whether you are a group of friends, or a non-profit organization, society or company registered in Guyana. We are looking for ideas that will inspire a sense of community or belonging to Guyanese, and that will encourage Guyanese to celebrate as one people.”

The Minister also thanked those who have already been sending in ideas as well as those who have already been meeting and working while noting that she is sure that there are many more who have exciting ideas for 50^th Anniversary celebrations.

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