Dead silence as Minister calls on residents to applaud Govt’s performance

Region 2 flag-raising ceremony

Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry Annette Ferguson was left in an awkward position on Friday night when she called on the crowd to applause as she asked residents of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) to give the coalition Government a second chance, which was met by dead silence from those gathered.
Region Two held its annual flag-raising ceremony at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground.
The programme had a fixture of cultural items including patriotic songs, dances and poems reflecting Guyana’s rich heritage but the event took a political turn when Minister Ferguson, in delivering the feature address, gave an election campaign speech. She accused the People’s Progressive Party of destroying Guyana and called out to residents of Region Two to support the coalition Government (APNU/AFC). However, things got even more awkward as the Minister called out to residents to give the coalition a second chance to continue what she described as “good work”, but as she asked the crowd to cheer for the Government’s “achievements”, there was dead silence. As such, she persisted for an applause and a few persons clapped as the moment became uncomfortable as she continued to plea for support for the Government.
Speaking with this publication, some rice farmers who attended the flag-raising ceremony said that they were very disappointed that the feature address turned into a political rally. The farmers said that no mention was made about the crippling rice industry in the region nor was there any mention of future plans to address the declining industry.
Meanwhile, at midnight, the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted by members of the Joint Services. In attendance at the ceremony were Regional Executive Officer, Dennis Jaikarran and Heads of the Joint Services among other regional officials. The Regional Chairman was absent from the event.
On Saturday morning, to celebrate Guyana’s 49th Republic Anniversary, Essequibians turned out in their numbers to get a glimpse of the region’s float parade.
There were seven floats in three categories – large, medium and small. In the large category, one float participated which was the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).
In the medium category, the winner was the Mainstay/Wayaka group while the second place went to the G Division Police Youth Group and third place to the Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI). In the small category, the winner was the Regional Health Department and the second prize went to the Education Department. The Anna Regina Town Council also received a prize for participating in this category.