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Guyana begins 34th celebration as a Republic Nation
- Golden Arrowhead hoisted

Minister Sawh stresses care for country, respect and tolerance at
Region Three flag raising ceremony

Barticians, others ring in Mash at flag-raising ceremony
- Minister Nadir delivers feature address

Largest Mashramani celebration in Region Six in 14 years.

"We must make ourselves builders of Guyana”
PM tells Lindeners at flag raising ceremony

At midnight last evening, at the Mc Kenzie Sports Club Ground, all eyes were focussed upwards on the Golden Arrowhead, as it unfolded to usher in Guyana’s 34th Republican anniversary.
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'Congonya’ thrills crowd at Flag raising ceremony in Region Six

The ‘Congonya’ group of New Amsterdam headed by Ivelaw James had the jubilant crowd at State house on their feet during the flag raising ceremony last night.
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Guyana begins 34th celebration as a Republic Nation
- Golden Arrowhead hoisted

Georgetown, GINA, February 23, 2004

Guyana’s Flag the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted at exactly 7:36 hrs symbolising the country’s 34th Republican status in the presence of President Bharrat Jagdeo, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Gail Texiera and members of the Joint Services among others.
The formal Flag Raising ceremony for the observance of Guyana's 34th Republic Anniversary was held this morning at the Parliament Buildings. Today marks the dawn of the 34th year of Guyana's Republic Anniversary, after achieving this status from Great Britain on February 23, 1970.
President Bharrat Jagdeo who arrived shortly after 07:00 hrs took the Presidential Salute. He was led by Major Dindyal William to inspect the Guard of Honour, which comprised more than 100 members from the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Police Force.
Representatives of the three major religions in Guyana then offered prayers for the nation and its rulers.
The hoisting the Golden Arrowhead began at 07:32 and continued amidst the sounding of the ceremonial 21 gunshots. Four minutes later it flew tall in the centre of six flags: the Joint Services, the Guyana Fire Service, the Guyana Police Force on one side and the Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Prison Service and the City Council on the other side.
The National Pledge was then recited, followed by the singing of the Song of the Republic and the National Anthem.
President Jagdeo then returned to the Dias where he took the Presidential Salute before departing.
Sharing thoughts on Guyana’s 34th Republic Anniversary Minister Texiera said that the country is a young nation and Guyanese should look forward with hope, as “we have overcome many problems, including the reduction of poverty.’
She urged that Guyanese love each other and themselves, as “we are a beautiful people with a beautiful culture.”
Lieutenant Colonel Christine King of the Guyana Defence Force said Guyanese have a lot to do to improve the image of the country, even though much have been done. She urged that this should be the goal on everyone’s mind as they celebrate the 34th anniversary, so that the 35th anniversary can be bigger and better.
The new Commissioner of Police Winston Felix noted that it is indeed a grand occasion for celebration and the country has come a far way since gaining Republican status.
Like a true policeman, he noted that the Guyana Police Force is working to ensure that everyone has a safe Mashramani.
The ceremony was organized by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Guyana Police Force Band entertained the gathering with a musical interlude prior to the Guard of Honour March.
Present at the official ceremony were Members of the Cabinet, the Diplomatic Corps and Joint Service among others. Members of the public also gathered to witness the raising of the flag.
Meanwhile, Flag-raising ceremonies were held last night in the other Administrative Regions to celebrate Guyana's 34th Anniversary. Ministers of the Government and other officials took the salute at the ceremonies held in the Regions. Several Regions had cultural activities prior to the raising of the flag at midnight.
Starting at 10:00 hrs today, Guyanese from all walks of life will travel to the City where the grand costume and float parade will take to the streets of Georgetown before assembling in the National Park. The President and other Government officials will also be joining the crowd in the National Park later today.
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Minister Sawh stresses care for country, respect and tolerance at
Region Three flag raising ceremony

Georgetown, GINA, February 23, 2004

“As we seek to build unity that is so essential, several ingredients must come to play, concepts like peace, understanding, respect and tolerance,” said Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Other Crops and Livestock Mr. Satyadeow Sawh.
Hundreds of residents from Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) gathered at the Regional Democratic Council to have a glimpse of the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead.
Minister Sawh stressed the need for people to reorient their thinking to instill tolerance and respect for others and stop believing that one person has more rights than another. He pointed out that Guyana belongs to everyone and as such everyone must work together to build this great land of ours.
Recalling the popular saying, Minister Sawh said “We have to learn to swim together or collectively sink together.”
The Minister asked people not to forget the heroes who chartered the course for political independence and Republican status in Guyana.
“I think if anything more than this is the fact that after 33 years as we enter our 34th year of Republican status we are beginning to gel as a people, as a nation.”
Minister Sawh stressed the need for people to work together and resist the vocal minority seeking to sow disunity, since people should work to build a country that is fair, just and free to leave a legacy for their children.
He reiterated Government’s commitment toward working for the betterment of all Guyanese.
Minister Sawh urged that people recognize and realize their dreams and potential. He told youths to recognize that the future belongs to them and that Government will continue to put in place necessary mechanisms to assist them.
The Regional Administration of Region Three organized a grand cultural programme which featured songs, dances, poetry, calypso singing and Tassa drumming, after which the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted.
Regional Chairman Mr. Esau Dookie told the gathering “Together we have achieved. The future will present many challenges but once we remain united and we labour together the future will be bright.”
He recounted achievements in the Region over the last year including the expenditure of approximately $117M on the construction of bridges, roads, health and education facilities.
Mr. Dookie urged that people learn from past experiences since they need to see the need to redouble their efforts to achieve economic and social independence to guarantee better lifestyles.
Guyana celebrates Mashramani on February 23 and this year it celebrates 34 years of Republican status. Mashramani is an Amerindian word which means coming together after a period of hard work.
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Barticians, others ring in Mash at flag-raising ceremony
- Minister Nadir delivers feature address

Georgetown, GINA, February 23, 2004

Thousands of Bartica residents and people from in and around Guyana gathered at the Bartica Community Centre Ground on February 22, for the traditional flag-raising ceremony, on the dawn of Guyana’s 34th Republic Anniversary.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manzoor Nadir, who delivered the feature address to the gathering, was the Government representative to Bartica, Region Seven.
A Bartica Mashramani Committee, which is responsible for organizing the event, planned several activities for the official ceremony.
The ceremony commenced at 19:30 hours at the Cenotaph Square with a candlelight Parade and ended at 24:00 hours with the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead. The Parade went through the streets and ended at the community centre ground.
Addressing the gathering Minister Nadir noted that Region Seven and particular, Bartica has a major role to play in the development of Guyana as the country continues to mature. Timber, gold, diamond and other precious metals are mined in that Region.
He noted that in the 34 years since Guyana became a Republic, the country has matured, but we still have a far way to go and every Region need to be involved.
Minister Nadir noted that despite limited financial resources throughout the country, Government is pursuing capital development in Region Seven through the Regional Democratic Council and other Ministries.
Additionally, Government is seeking to address other issues affecting that Region. One of the major economic activities of Region Seven is mining and it has been affected by environmental contamination over the years.
Minister Nadir noted that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and other relevant Governmental entities have, over the years, developed mechanisms to address the problem of environmental pollution in the Region.
He noted that the Regional office also has a major part to play in correctly identifying problems and work towards amicable solutions.
Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford, Regional Executive Officer Gansham Misir and representatives from the Mashramani Committee were also present at the flag-raising ceremony.
Regional Chairman Bradford noted it was an honour for Bartica to be featured in various Mashramani activities nation-wide. Bartica hosted the annual Calypso finals last Friday at the Community Centre Ground.
He said that Bartica should also be proud of the Bartica Secondary School’s Steel Orchestra that won this year’s School Band completion. It was the first competition for the school band, which was established in July last. Minister Nadir donated $50, 000 to the Bartones Steel Orchestra for the band’s future development.
Mr. Bradford noted that Barticians should be proud of themselves and their ability.
He urged the people to go out in large numbers, but warned that as people celebrate Mashramani on February 23, they should be cautious of any activity which may result in harm to people or property.
In an exclusive interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA) after the ceremony, Mr. Bradford noted that this year’s event was the biggest ever recorded in the Region.
The official ceremony ended with the Guyana Police Force hoisting the Golden Arrow Head and the singing of the National Anthem.
Several awards were presented to outstanding persons in the community for service and dedication in the areas of health work, teaching and voluntary work.
Members of the Bartones Steel band also received their winning medals for the steel band completion.
The cultural presentation saw Barticians performing drama pieces, songs, dances and poems.
Bartica has a Mashramani float parade scheduled to commence on February 23, 2004 and several private and public organizations will participate in the event.
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Largest Mashramani celebration in Region Six in 14 years.

Georgetown, GINA, February 23, 2004

The Golden Arrowhead unfurled at 23:52 hrs last night at State House, East Berbice Corentyne marking the 34th anniversary of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.
The National Flag unfurled to the sounds of drums by Mr. Seeram, Lieutenant of the Guyana Defence Force.
Prior to the hoisting of the flag, the jubilant crowd was entertained with energetic cultural performances which saw African dancing and drumming from the ‘Congonya’ group of Berbice, ‘tasa’ drumming and Indian songs and dances.
At 21:50 hrs the joint candlelight parade of the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service, the Guyana Fire Service, the Seven Day Adventist church, nurses and Comforting Hearts made their way to the compound ending a parade that started from Marks Junction, New Amsterdam.
Mr. Samuel Fraser, an NDC councilor handed over the prizes of the Regional Mashramani Domino Competition to the Guyana Teachers Union, Terminators and Survivors who placed first, second and third respectively.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Doodnauth Singh delivered the feature address in which he said: the line in our national anthem - ‘Dear Land of the free’ was operative only when we became a Republic on February 23rd 1970.
He concluded that this freedom was enhanced when Dr. Cheddi Jagan was restored to power in 1992 and said that he hoped that all regions in this country would develop equally.
‘I am heartened by this massive attendance tonight’ were the words of Regional Chairman Mr. Kumkarran Ramdass. He said this was a significant year for Mashramani in Berbice since it started a new initiative that follows on the heels of a new National Events Committee set up at the regional level.
He said it is the first time in fourteen years that there has been such a massive Mashramani celebration in the region. This programme, which included hosting of the Mash Quarter Finals in Rose Hall, was launched since November 2003.
The Regional Chairman reminded the crowd that Mashramani was a part of their national heritage and that it is events like Mashramani that show the unity of the Guyanese people.
Mrs. Joycelyn Howard, who said the time has come for all Guyanese to work to develop our country, represented the New Amsterdam Town Council.
Mr. Murray who represented the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association wished President Jagdeo good health and urged greater development in Drainage and Irrigation pointing to increase markets for non-traditional products in North America.
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“We must make ourselves builders of Guyana”
PM tells Lindeners at flag raising ceremony

Georgetown, GINA, February 23, 2004

At midnight last evening, at the Mc Kenzie Sports Club Ground, all eyes were focussed upwards on the Golden Arrowhead, as it unfolded to usher in Guyana’s 34th Republican anniversary.
The event was yet another flag raising ceremony in the mining town, which was attended by former Lindener, Prime Minister, Sam Hinds who extended Republic greetings from President Bharrat Jagdeo, members of Cabinet and Government.
In his feature address which was preceded by his inspection of the Guard of Honour, a cultural presentation and the symbolic hoisting of the National Flag, the Prime Minister reflected on the pre-Republican era in Guyana’s history, which he said was signified by a concerted fight by our foreparents for an end to slavery and indentureship.
He noted too that Mash day signifies a celebration of achievements over the last year. Emphasising that today’s generation has a challenge to work collectively for the steady prosperity of Guyana, Mr. Hinds said that this challenge has to be pursued in a rapidly changing world.
The Prime Minister posited that Guyana has been in the receiving end of change in the face of new threats to our customs, but he pointed to the new opportunities that often come with these changes.
“We should keep our eyes focussed on opportunities,” said the Prime Minister, noting that in so doing “ we can show that we can create a better Guyana.”
Acknowledging that unemployment exists, and being a Republic nation require that we work towards feeding, clothing and sheltering ourselves, the Prime Minister issued a call to the older generation to guide the youth of the nation towards achieving this end.
“We must make ourselves builders of Guyana,” stated Mr. Hinds, adding that this will ensure that our needs are satisfied.
And in brief remarks, Regional Chairman of Region Ten, Mortimer Mingo urged all Guyana to seek to establish a truly Guyanese identity distinct from others, as we celebrate another year as a Republic nation.
Mingo said that the celebration must be coloured with a sense of individual responsibility, while the national celebration should serve to propel our individual roles to develop our communities and country.
All roads today lead to the grand annual Mashramani float parade downtown Georgetown, where a strong Linden contingent will mash under the banner of the mining region.
Lindeners have earmarked Sunday, February 29, for the staging of their mash celebrations.
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‘Congonya’ thrills crowd at Flag raising ceremony in Region Six

Georgetown, GINA, February 23, 2004

The ‘Congonya’ group of New Amsterdam headed by Ivelaw James had the jubilant crowd at State house on their feet during the flag raising ceremony last night.
The Golden Arrowhead was hoisted at 23:52 hrs to mark the 34th anniversary of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.
It was all pomp and ceremony on the lawn of State House with singing, drumming and dancing especially from the ‘Congonya’ group that frequently plays on Camp Street Georgetown. This group started the night off with African drumming to the lyrics of ‘bamboo faya’ and other spicy creole music.
Not long after their female duet took the stage and their bodies reacted to the untamed sounds of the African drums and had the crowd in total uproar.
The leader Mr. James told the crowd that “Mashramani is for us and we should ‘free up ourselves.”
This international group did not finish there. Their finals female dancer took the stage and teased the crowd once more. The crowd demanded that they have a repeat performance.
The leader himself amazed the crowd with his skill and energy in African dance in the last performance of the evening.
The ‘Congonaya’ group headed to the city this morning to enrich the show of heritage and unity on the occasion of our 34th Republic anniversary.
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