Very bad and sad incident at the Flag Raising Ceremony

May 29, 2016 Letters

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Dear Editor,

I long planned to attend the Flag raising Ceremony on the night of 25th May 2016. On that same day, late in the afternoon my wife told me she doesn’t think she will be able to make it. I prayed, and so God answered my prayer almost immediately; we took off as a family to witness an historical occasion, befitting of a Nation that has gone through many storms and against all odds are still standing strong.
I have long known that there are hits and misses along a nation’s path to progress and maturity. We, as a Nation have had many hits [successes] over the last fifty years. Simultaneously, we have had missed opportunities that has the potential of setting us back for decades. Nevertheless, I have learned that regardless of the setbacks, a nation or individual can make a comeback, and create an impact so great and so strong that the failures of the past would be seen as stepping stones to the future for phenomenal growth.
Someone said that it takes thirty years to build a reputation, but it takes just five minutes to ruin it. As a Spiritual Leader, I understand such quote. This present administration has had some glaring success mixed with missed opportunities, which speaks of human failures and successes that comes in the same package of life experiences. One of the war tactics that is taught in some spheres of life is to allow your enemies to make colossal mistakes then go in for the kill. This tactics has worked since Bible days.
Now, there were many lost opportunities at the Flag raising ceremony last evening, as I sat in the stand , there were many instances where I would have graded this administration with a [D].Permit me dear Editor to point out just three [3] areas that were glaring and unacceptable in modern Democracies —
First, the security system was atrocious. I was thoroughly checked for any weapons on my part as I enter the Hadfield street stands. Soon after I located seats for my family and self, glass bottles upon bottles inundated the Jubilee Park, thus creating an easy task for criminally minded persons. Added to this scenario police presence around the park and within the tarmac was sparse.
Secondly, the seating facility for the general public was designed with no consideration for the Elderly or children. The stands had no passage way to enter or exit. This lack created a lot of discomfort for children and the elderly. From my position I find myself within a box, that others and I found it extremely difficult to access the Gent’s washroom.
Thirdly, the most gravely incident occurred that resulted in my conviction to Apologize on behalf of all Guyana. The stand I was in was either the fourth or fifth stand after entering, then before 7.00Pm. I noticed a group of tourists [supposedly Americans] surveying the area in the hope of sitting together as a group. They decided to access the area right in front of me, then, as soon as they were settled they began taking pictures of themselves with flags raised. I asked one of them a question. Are you enjoying Guyana? With a glee and a glowing smile the answer came back emphatically, ‘Yes its great’. Now, there is a distinct feature in our flag that creates an interest for those that are aesthetically inclined especially foreigners. I just felt that these young students fell in love with the Golden Arrowhead.
At the hour of 11.15pm, there was uproar in all the stands, people were standing and hailing up the Guyana Defense Force as they were in preparation of raising the Golden Arrowhead. At that point seventy percent [70%] of persons in the stands was standing up to get a good view of what was about to happen, when suddenly those at the back including a particular man with a loud voice said, ‘everybody sit down!’
There was this angry crowd of Guyanese young people without flags shouting to the students with flags to sit down. I raised my voice and said to some of them to stand up, but they were not interested in my pleas. Then a young man seated next to me stood up and started to hurdle remarks to the standing students. I told him that these people are visitors from another country who came to enjoy themselves with their Guyanese friends and to celebrate our Independence. Suddenly the craziest thing happened in my very presence.
This man made a sudden leap and lunged forward knocking down three women [all white Americans]. Pandemonium and fierce fighting broke loose, traumatizing the foreigners, some being hurt in the process. People nearby were getting hurt, as I and my family tried to navigate around the crowded and nosiest people I have every encountered in all my seventy years on the face of the earth. In all this time the main event was taking place. Having withdrawn to safer grounds I was deprived of observing such a sacred and historic occasion. I left abruptly. This is an experience that has taught me many lessons in life, which I cannot expound here and now. But one thing is certain; I was embarrassed in that moment, because I had planned to ask the student this question — What was the single most event that would have inspired you to come back, to this beautiful country again? I dread the answer.
I could not sleep, when I came home after 1.00Am this morning, this incident rested upon my mind to apologize to the students, especially to the American Ambassador Mr. Perry Holloway. There are several other observations that I have made, but I will allow some astute and thoughtful Guyanese attending to raise those other issues. I trust that this present administration may take note, and in closing, I believe that amidst all the setbacks, God loves Guyana and we will prosper in the end. God bless Guyana!
Apostle Vanrick Beresford

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