One
People with One Destiny
Georgetown, Gina, May 31, 2003
As the clock ticked the midnight hour
on the May, 26th last, Guyana marked 37 years as an independent
nation, and 50 years since achieving Universal Adult Suffrage
in the same month. On this historic day, Minister of Local
Government and Regional Development, Mr. Harripersaud Nokta
addressed the residents of Bartica, Region Seven, on the
lawns of Smartt Park.
The event started with March through the
streets of Bartica by the Military and Paramilitary services
along with scores of school children who delighted local
residents on their 37th Independence Anniversary observance.
In an emotional address, the Minister
reminded the gathering of their ancestors struggle, to bring
Guyana to a stage of true political and economic independence
from colonial domination and eventually made Guyana a free
land for all Guyanese, regardless of ethnicity or sex.
The Minister quoted President Bharrat
Jagdeo memorable address to Parliament on May 4, last:
“I am persuaded that there is no power on earth that
can subvert the will of a united people nor conquer their
imagination. It is time, that nationally, we accentuate
our commonality, which binds us to this dear land. We are
defined and influenced by our history and each other. Beyond
our outward appearance, lies a spirit and a hope that is
uniquely Guyanese”.
“In the face of unprecedented change
and challenges, we must not falter. We must be courageous
and stay the course to realize our national objectives.
I am convinced that by working assiduously together we can
achieve our vision for the Guyanese people. Let us nurture
courage to act in the national interest”.
Minister Nokta also noted the oppression
Guyanese experienced from the colonial powers during which
people’s dignity and pride were taken away and the
right to vote was available only for the elites within the
society. “The People’s Progressive Party led
by, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Mrs. Janet Jagan, LFS Burnham and
others in its struggle through political, racial and working
class unity, successfully won for the Guyanese people, Universal
Adult Suffrage,” Minister Nokta told Barticians.
Fifty years ago in 1953, all Guyanese aged
twenty one and over were able for the first time, to vote
at a National Election, under Universal Adult Suffrage,
privilege that we all have today and should protect and
preserve for future Generations. The Minister stressed the
need for all citizens to work unceasingly to regain racial
and working class unity.
“Our government is committed to implementing the reformed
Constitution, thereby consolidating democratic institutions
and practices in order to make our dwelling and borders
secure and to live in peace and harmony,” The Minister
said.
He stressed the need for Guyanese “to put National
Development at the head of our agenda and strive for political
and racial unity as we face the challenges in the global
world. This he said, will enable us to rise above poverty
and create wealth, security and respect, making the nation
truly united as “one people with one destiny.”
The Minister on behalf of his the President
and the Government of Guyana, wished the residents and especially
school children of Region 7, as well as all Guyanese, a
happy and memorable 37th Independence Anniversary.
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