Happy 50th Republic Day

Feb 23, 2020 News

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As Guyana celebrates 50 years as a Cooperative Republic, we reflect on the unity that was warranted for such an auspicious feat to be achieved by an under-developed country, now on the cusp of becoming an oil-rich nation.
We have come a long way together as a unified people by echoing the single tune: One People, One Nation and One Destiny.
We at Kaieteur News hope that we do not falter in this regard as we onward march to more successes as a Cooperative Republic.
Also to mark our 50th Republic Day Anniversary are the following messages from various factions of our society:

PEOPLE’S NATIONAL CONGRESS REFORM

The People’s National Congress Reform is pleased to extend greetings and good wishes to all Guyanese as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of our Republican status.
This year, 2020, our nation celebrates its Golden Jubilee; 50 years as a Republic and the national celebration of Mashramani.
Therefore, it is an occasion for reflection and assessment of the state of our nation, 50 years after Guyana was declared a Republic and 54 years since we achieved our independence. The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Guyana Together; reflect, celebrate, transform.”
In this regard, it must be evident to all that we, as Guyanese, need to redouble our efforts to banish crime, disease, ignorance and poverty. We must strengthen national unity, expand national infrastructure, fortify national institutions, ensure national security and extend public services.
This year we must all stand as one. This is the year for national unity.
In the words of our Party Leader and President, “It is a year for recalling and recommitting towards the dream of a free, united and prosperous Guyana, one in which the good life is attainable by all.”
Accordingly, the PNCR wishes all of the Guyanese people, a Happy Republic holiday, and a joyous celebration of Mashramani, as we pray that the spirit of peace, love and unity will dwell among us on the 50th Anniversary of our Republic.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE PPP

On the occasion of Guyana’s 50th anniversary as a Republic, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to express best wishes to all Guyanese, both at home and in the Diaspora.
At this point in time, there must be a sense of collective pride as a nation as we observe this Golden Jubilee milestone in self-governance.
Hallmarked by the various activities that epitomize the national festival of Mashramani, the imbued pride is manifested through the colourful and vibrant celebrations across the country in a demonstration of patriotism.
The splendor of the multitude of colours splashed to the pulsating beat of the music reflects revelry after hard-work and our rich diversity that defines us as a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural nation.
This 50th anniversary comes at a time when our dear country is about to hold a most critical election which would decide its forward trajectory.
With Guyana on the cusp of becoming an oil and gas economy, we have to ensure that Guyana and all of its people have a fair share of the dividends of oil.
The PPP/C has laid out a Plan for Prosperity that will return vibrancy to our economy and generate thousands of jobs. We will also invest significantly in world-class education and healthcare, ensure that our children get more help by increasing the school cash grant and provide help for our pensioners by significantly increasing old-age pension. We urge you to read up on the other measures outlined in our plan.
Let’s work to ensure a vision of Guyana that is inclusive and one which delivers prosperity for all of our people so that we can truly realize the goal of one people, one nation, one destiny as captured in our national motto.
Our Party also takes this opportunity to commend the dedication and efforts of all involved in the various activities held across the country and which will culminate with the annual national costume and float parade.
Happy Mashramani to all.

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INDIAN ACTION COMMITTEE
The Indian Action Committee (IAC), in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of Guyana having achieved republican status on 23rd February 1970, is calling upon all Guyanese citizens, including those who will be involved in public celebrations, to observe this day in a safe and considerate manner given the fact that many persons will be consuming alcohol in large quantities.
The IAC further calls upon all drivers who are involved in festivities to observe the basic rule of not drinking and driving.
The IAC recognizes that the date itself is linked to the Berbice uprising of enslaved persons of African origin, which allowed the then Dutch colony of Berbice to be administered by the temporarily freed slaves for a period of one year between 1763 and 1764.
The IAC also recognizes that a number of citizens, particularly dislocated sugar workers and many recently dismissed bauxite workers and their families will not be partaking in this year’s activities because of severe financial constraints and the organization encourages these persons to remain within their own communities and observe the day in private gatherings.
The IAC understands that many families of all ethnicities have been suffering and, presently, continue to suffer untold hardships in this current state of economic downturn in Guyana which began over four years ago.
The IAC is cognizant of the political and ethnic tensions that have risen to a dangerously high level in light of the fiercely contested upcoming General and Regional Elections, which, if not managed tactfully, can lead to the destabilization of the entire society given Guyana’s turbulent post-Independence political history.
The IAC is highly concerned that the mishandling of the brand new petroleum industry will very likely result in future hardships for the vast majority of the ordinary Guyanese working class people given the sordid history of international oil companies operating in poor Third-World countries; and the organization is calling upon the new government to act swiftly to undo these mistakes that, if not remedied, will cause unpardonable punishment on these citizens.
The IAC joins with the political parties, religious bodies, trade unions and other civil society groups in the call for inclusion, genuine and lasting national unity in the drive towards economic development and prosperity.
The IAC wishes all Guyanese a Happy 50th Republic Anniversary.
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GUYANA AGRICULTURAL AND GENERAL WORKERS UNION

As our nation pauses and reflects as we observe half a century of Republican status we of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) takes this opportunity to extend greetings to the Guyanese people on this significant anniversary.
This anniversary gives us – the Guyanese people – yet another opportunity to assess what and where that Constitutional status has brought us.
As we salute our nation on this important anniversary of Republicanism we must take a sober look at where the Republic stands nearly half a century on.
No doubt we made strides in various socio-economic aspects during this time but, we contend, that the economic transformation whereby the masses of Guyanese could experience fully the results of development is still to be achieved.
To this day, the economic struggle for a reasonable standard of living continues. Too many of our skilled, qualified citizens have opted for migration in pursuit of a better life. As we have noted before the “Good Life” here is still out of grasp of the working-people.
When we consider our times of today, we recognize that several issues still linger on. In fact our now-a-day circumstances, very much mimic the situation on our attainment of republican status.
Guyanese are still grappling with the shocking news that our nation has given up as much as US$55B from our oil resources.
The cheap sell out of our national patrimony is a matter that cannot be countenanced or explained away with wishy-washy excuses and rationales.
Such conduct cannot and is not helpful especially given our stage of development and the pressing need to address several national issues.
Of course, we cannot ignore too that this significant anniversary comes on the eve of National and Regional elections. The polls which are overdue nearly a year now come as we see a new litany of promises and commitments emerging from those holding the reins of power.
GAWU calls on Guyanese not to abandon hope and unite and struggle for genuine progressive change. As the Anniversary’s Mashramani events take centre-stage, let us celebrate but, bear in mind our responsibilities as citizens of our Republic to bring about enduring prosperity and all-round progress benefitting every Guyanese.
A happy, peaceful Republic Anniversary and Mashramani 2020 to all!

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