Granger wants unity in Guyana

GEORGETOWN – Guyana celebrated its 49th anniversary as a Republic yesterday with President David Granger urging “national unity”.

“Let us work together to ensure that our country remains secure, our economy is stable and that everyone is safe and could enjoy a good life,” Granger said as he delivered his fourth Republic Anniversary speech.

“Everyone wins when the nation is united,” Granger said, noting that nationals were marking the occasion which is a significant “fulfilment of our people’s aspirations to chart their own destiny by re-fashioning their social and economic relations, introducing new national institutions, affirming sovereignty and advancing towards the goal of self-reliance.”

“The 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic will be celebrated next year. All Guyanese are encouraged to prepare earnestly for this historic event by intensifying our collective efforts towards national unity.”

Granger said he was confident that Guyanese “are also happy to live in a state that is committed to the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, freedom of the press and respect for fundamental human rights,” an apparent reference to the ongoing political situation in the country, where Granger’s coalition government has fallen as a result of a vote of no-confidence tabled by the main opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) last December.

The government has since appealed a High Court ruling that the motion, which received the support of a government backbencher, is valid and that elections should be held within 90 days of the motion being tabled and passed.

Meantime, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said that Guyana had overcome major setbacks and had now fully joined the community of nations that are free and democratic.

“Our Guyana today remains peaceful, stable and orderly; with a multi-ethnic and multicultural population that is striving daily to realise the goal of being one united Guyanese people, as one nation with a common destiny.”

In its message, the PPP said that the symbols of nationhood, such as the National Flag and the Constitution, must be respected by all Guyanese.

“Mashramani is also a reminder of the fortitude and resilience of all of our people who remained steadfast in their efforts to building our nation, so as to realise the future we all desire.” (CMC)

President David Granger