Another hit- from Guyana: Land of Six Peoples

President Jagdeo takes first salute at Republic flag-raising ceremony

Guyana Chronicle
February 24, 2000

FOR the first time since his appointment as President, Mr Bharrat Jagdeo took the salute and inspected a Guard of Honour at a Republic anniversary flag-raising ceremony.
Yesterday Guyana observed its 30th anniversary of Republican status with a formal, but short ceremony held on the forecourt of Public Buildings. Members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana National Service (GNS) participated in the event.
Patriotic music from the Guyana Police Force Band filled the cool morning air as Prime Minister Sam Hinds was awaited.
Outside, people from all walks of life gathered to witness Guyana's first flag-raising ceremony for this century.
In the compound were members of the Diplomatic Corps, Government Ministers and other officials.
And awaiting the President and Prime Minister were Minister of Culture, Ms Gail Teixeira; Police Commissioner, Mr Laurie Lewis; Chief of Staff, Major General Joe Singh of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF); Colonel Leroy Benn of the Guyana National Service (GNS) and other senior personnel from the joint services.
Prime Minister Sam Hinds arrived first at 07:10hrs with his wife, Ms Yvonne Hinds who was escorted to her viewing position by a member of the disciplined services.
Five minutes after the Prime Minister's arrival, President Jagdeo reached the Parliament Buildings accompanied by First Lady, Varshnie Jagdeo.
Looking dapper in a black shirt-jac suit, the President inspected the Guard of Honour and took his position on the dais for the flag-raising ceremony.
Prayers were said by representatives of the Christian, Muslim and Hindu religions, then Guyana's flag, the Golden Arrow Head was slowly raised at about 07:30 hrs to flap gently in the early morning breezes.
The National Anthem was played in its entirety as the President and his group of officials faced the flag. They then turned south and one stanza of the Anthem was played again.
The ceremony concluded before 08:00 hrs. (GWEN EVELYN)