58th Independence Anniversary celebrations: Jagdeo criticises promoters of boycott in Linden

…as Opposition refuses to participate in flag-raising ceremony

The Guyana Government will take the national flag-raising ceremony in observance of the country’s 58th Independence Anniversary to Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) on Sunday.
However, some political activists have been advocating for a boycott of this national event and have publicised several reasons why people should not attend the gathering. The reasons sought to discredit the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s track record in Linden.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has since criticised the attempts to undermine the celebrations, contending that it is another act of racism being promoted by certain Opposition players.
He explained that the current PPP/C Administration had taken a decision to host the national flag-raising ceremony in regions outside of Georgetown, in an attempt to bring people closer to these events and promote a better sense of patriotism.

“I would’ve thought that this is a national event and that you would want full participation. It takes the pomp and ceremony to another part of the country which is normally associated with Georgetown,” Jagdeo said.
Previously, the flag-raising ceremonies were held in Anna Regina, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
However, he recalled that when the event was held in Region Two, members from the Opposition camp had criticised the move. “Now that it’s going to Region 10, they’ve urged people not to attend,” the Vice President lamented.
He referred to a list in circulation of reasons why people should not attend the event in Linden, debunking each of the mistruths therein.
Meanwhile, as it relates to the investments, Jagdeo noted that the Government was spending $280 million on two stands at the Linden Synthetic Track and installing floodlights to make the sporting facility better.
In addition, 1000 house lots are being developed on a plantation next to Linden to facilitate construction of low-income houses along with another 400 in Amelia’s Ward.

“That’s 1400 persons who will get a plot of land or a low-income house from the government in this period,” he noted.
He also alluded to significant investments in health, telecommunications, and other areas by the current administration for the people of Linden and Region 10.

Opposition’s boycott
Meanwhile, the Opposition on Friday said that it would not participate in the 58th Independence flag-raising ceremony.
The Opposition claimed the Government did not consult with the elected Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region 10 and the Mayor and Town Council of Linden in planning the activities.
“The deliberate exclusion of regional officials from Region 10 from such a significant event is not only callous but also gross disrespect to the principles of local and regional governance,” the Opposition said on Friday.