Regional flags

 

The proposed regional flags and emblems were recently presented at the inaugural meeting of the National Regional Development Consultative Committee (NRDCC). The occasion presented an opportunity to discuss how to move forward with the designs of the flags and emblems. It also sought to promote greater communication and collaboration among the local democratic organs, to develop guidelines for finance committees of local democratic organs, and to promote regional development through networking among regional, national and multinational stakeholders.

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan explained that the intention was to start displaying the flags and emblems at Government’s buildings across the Regions for public discourse and feedback. He said too that consultations with stakeholders in the Regions about the flags, emblems and renaming of the Regions should be completed within the next four months. The regional emblems, along with the renaming of the ten Administrative Regions, are part of the Government’s efforts to foster regional empowerment and pride; however, like many others of the coalition’s proposed plans and initiatives, this too has been met with much criticism and even outright rejection.

The Opposition, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), is of the view that the Golden Arrowhead is the constitutional flag of Guyana and any other flag imposed on the country is contrary to the Constitution of the Republic of Guyana. The Party contended that the consultations initiated in each Region will inexorably result in the rejection by the overwhelming majority of residents who, instead of flags and name changes to Regions, prefer jobs, enhanced public security, and money in their pockets, better roads, improved potable water supply and efficient garbage collection. In fact, the Party called on the Administration to cease their wasteful spending and focus on improving the economic and social well-being of all Guyanese.

Many others voiced their concerns and provided their feedback on the proposed initiative, including several regional heads. Region One Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley has indicated that his region will not be supporting the idea. Likewise, Region Two Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt also objected to this move. He acknowledged that such a move would require great consultation, given its complexities. Region Five Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal and Region Nine Regional Chairman Brian Allicock also shared the same view. Region Seven Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford, although he was in support of the proposed flags, indicated that some persons in the district have not welcomed the idea.

When the Government announced its intention to assign each administration region with its very own flag in 2015, it posited that this was a move which depicted a representation of independence. However, it is believed that this move could be dangerous for Guyana as it could put the country’s sovereignty at risk and reinforce Venezuela’s attempts to win over the Essequibo, through encouraging secessionist tendencies. Without any evidence that this decision will have any positive impact on the administrative efficiency of the regions or will in any way improve the lives of the citizens, this initiative is being foisted on the people of this nation, at least this is the view of the populace.

And again, the citizens are facing the reality that important decisions are being made without their input and without consultation. There have been calls for the Minister to rescind the decision; however, we continue to see the total disregard for citizens’ concerns, opinions and suggestions. What we have seen and heard is the most recent announcement that the contrived consultations, which are expected to conclude in April, have been initiated. It is hoped that moving forward, the subject Minister will indeed welcome the feedback and make his decision accordingly. Noting that the parliamentary Opposition has opposed these efforts, Bulkan said that the Administration will not be deterred.