Minister Henry calls on Guyanese to unite as Guyana celebrates 52 years of Independence

Education Minister Nicolette Henry has called for Guyanese to unite as one people working as a nation with one destiny while addressing her fellow Berbicians in New Amsterdam on Friday evening at the town’s flag-raising ceremony to usher in Guyana’s 52nd Independence anniversary.

Addressing hundreds who braved the inclement weather to attend the ceremony, which was held at State House, the Minister said Guyanese should use this period to remember the struggles of their ancestors who made it possible for them to enjoy the freedom that they take for granted.
The Minister noted that the peace and happiness which they enjoy in Guyana was made possible by our fore-parents.
“It is our predecessors – the freedom fighters and nation builders – that made it possible for us to be the masters of our faith and captives of our destiny. We must, therefore, never forget that those men, women, and children; those freedom fighters who came together from every ethnic background, from every religious background to fight for a common goal – the common right of freedom.”
Minister Henry said Guyana was developing at a fast rate in the fields of agriculture, education, technology, and sports and as such, insisted that all Guyanese understand their individual responsibilities.
“We all need to be nation builders to continue the legacy our ancestors left for us. As we celebrate the gift of democracy, let us resolve to continue the journey of inclusionary democracy and reaffirm our respect for our Constitution. As we look to the future, let us find ways of ending our historic divisions,” Henry stated.
She told the hundreds in attendance that Guyana as a country would not be able to realise its goals if as a people, we remained divided. “I believe that we are better together as one people, one nation with one destiny.”
Also addressing the ceremony were New Amsterdam Mayor Winifred Haywood, who spoke of the strides the country’s oldest town has made since the country became an independent state while Regional Councillor Phillip Rose highlighted that as citizens, Guyanese needed to do better when it came to social cohesion.
The ceremony also featured a rich cultural presentation comprising dances, poems, a military display and most importantly, the hoisting of the National Flag.