‘Do not lose sight of developmental goals’

Guyana’s 52nd Independence anniversary celebrations…

– Better Hope/LBI NDC Chairman tells stakeholders
– RDC Chairman urges focus on STEM, oil and gas sectors

By Michael Younge

Dozens of residents from the Better Hope/La Bonne Intention (LBI) communities on the East Coast of Demerara braved a bout of inclement weather to be part of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council’s (NDC) annual Flag Raising Ceremony and Cultural Show on Thursday which was executed as part of a menu of events to mark the country’s 52nd Independence anniversary which will be celebrated tomorrow.
The hoisting of the flag took place at the NDC building in the compound of Better Hope Community Centre Ground and saw in attendance Regional Chairman for Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Genevieve Alleyne; NDC Chairman, Dr Zaman Shaw; Ministry of the Presidency Representative Ernest Elliot; senior functionaries of the Guyana Defence and Police Forces and other regional representatives.
Speaking at the event, Dr Shaw underscored the importance of Guyana’s attainment of Independence from British colonial rule as he told residents that a lot of sacrifices were made by scores of Guyanese to ensure that Guyana could determine its own destiny and future.
Dr Shaw said Guyanese cannot downplay the important role played by several architects in the entire process to build a more united and cohesive society. He urged those present to never lose sight of the goals and aims of developing a more modernised and unified Guyana as he called on all those present to put their backs to the wheel to ensure that they play their part.
Shaw was also adamant that while the NDC has done a lot to improve the livelihoods of residents in the Better Hope and La Bonne Intention catchment area, more work needs to be done to strengthen the NDC’s performance in core areas.

He spoke of the need to also redouble efforts to tackle the issue of advancing the educational needs of students and young people as he referenced the fact that the NDC has already managed to reopen the community’s public library and partner with the Government to benefit from its E-Governance Initiative which sees more young people accessing free ICT and Internet services.
Dr Shaw also explained that as Guyana marks its 52nd anniversary, his NDC remains open to working with all stakeholders and non-governmental groups to achieve its overall goals and objectives.
Similarly, RDC Chairman Alleyne encouraged students and residents to turn their minds to the opportunities that are being created in the country as a result of the emerging oil and gas sectors which she said offer tremendous possibilities for them to become leaders of modern forms of technological and innovation.
She also explained that much has been accomplished in Guyana since 1966 as she stressed that Guyanese ought to be proud of their culture, heritage and ethnic diversity.
According to Alleyne, there is much to be celebrated and there is an urgent need for all the communities to work together to achieve the country’s motto of “one People, One Nation and One Destiny”. She was hopeful that more emphasis would continue to be placed on creating the right type of communities that can mould and rear responsible citizens who were committed to Guyana’s developmental thrust.
A traditional march-past and parade was done by the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force. Students from various schools including Montrose Primary, Plaisance Secondary and LBI Nursery delivered dances, poems and patriotic songs during the programme.