Large turnout at flag-raising ceremony in Berbice
by Calvin Marshall
A LARGE section of the Berbice community was on hand Thursday night for the flag-raising ceremony to mark the 31st anniversary of the Republic.
The event, which was preceded by a rich cultural presentation, was yet another sign of good organisation by the promoters with the annual event getting better and better.
Unlike previous years, the programme began with several patriotic songs by the Republican Drama Group and other cultural pieces from other participating groups.
The customary candlelight parade involving the Disciplined Services, public servants and citizens joined the celebration about half an hour later.
Led by a police outrider and corps of drums, the marchers kept a steady pace from their starting point at Tacama Turn, through Main Street in New Amsterdam to the lawns of State House which were well decorated for the occasion.
A new modern stage was also in use for the first time.
Former Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon in a well-delivered address said the dream of the true Republican status has not been fully realised.
He said that 30 years ago when the country became a republic, it had meant to be supreme power to the people with a qualifying standard of living.
"But we had to contend with impoverishment and social and economic loss", Luncheon said blaming the then People's National Congress (PNC) government for the dilemma including, "the loss of creativity, unity, economic viability, a whole generation and opportunities."
Since the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/Civic) came into the government it has spared no effort to realign the country to its true goal by putting systems in place, including enacting legislation to ensure the republican dream, he said.
Luncheon pointed to the strengthening of the production sector through proper fiscal policies, working with social partners and the international community as some of the measures the administration has adopted for progress.
"We have to compete with the international economic order which presents us with several challenges. We have to exploit the competitive advantages", he said.
Luncheon, who was introduced by Chairman of Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), Mr Rohit Persaud, told the large gathering that the task of nation building has already been conceptualised and urged the crowd to rededicate themselves to the ideals of economic wealth.
"In the last eight years the Republic has seen significant transformation. We must commit ourselves to stay on course with no more reversals from the colonial period, before and after October 1992. We must protect and extend our achievements", he declared.
Following Luncheon's address, the lively cultural presentations continued from members of the Republican Drama group and a contemporary one from Kortberaad, East Bank Berbice, an Indian dance from eight-year-old Priya Darshepersaud of Number Two Village, Canje, and a calypso by Roy Van David known as `King Soloman'.
The winners of the Region Six Mash Domino Competition were also announced at the function.
The first prize of $10,000 and a trophy went to Police `B' Division, the second prize of $5,000 was won by the New Amsterdam Fire Department and the third prize of $3,000 went to the Warriors of Islington, East Bank Berbice.
At around 23:50 hours (11:50 p.m.) prayers for the nation were said by representatives of the Christian, Hindu, and Muslim religions,
At midnight the crowd, braving light showers, watched as the national flag was hoisted by a member of the Disciplined Services.
The proceedings which also featured music by a sound system were chaired by Regional Health Officer, Ms Audrey Field.
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