Guyana is marking the 52nd anniversary of its political independence from Britain on Saturday with President David Granger using the occasion to remind nationals of the importance of providing greater protection to children.
“We need to bequeath to them, much more than we inherited from our own parents,” Granger said in his Independence address, titled “Children are our Future”.
He said Independence must be valued and safeguarded, adding “Independence has laid the foundation for a more inclusive and democratic society which will guarantee the good life for the next generation”.
He told the nation that the country’s 52nd anniversary of political independence is an occasion for celebration as it commemorates a departure from past degradation and articulates the nation’s aspiration for present and future generations.
Granger said that independence was not the result of a single event, but rather a culmination of three hundred and fifty years of resistance, revolt and struggle against conquest, degradation, enslavement, indentureship and exploitation – the most dehumanising characteristics of European colonial rule.
The head of state reminded the population ancestors of Africans, Amerindians, Chinese, Europeans (including Portuguese), Indians and persons of mixed descent that “their descendants, today, are the beneficiaries of their sacrifice.
“The words of our National Anthem remind us: “We are born of their sacrifice, heirs of their pains,” he said, noting that independence was the future for which “our fore-parents fought but did not enjoy” as he acknowledged that their struggle, inspired by workers’ agitation, embraced all social classes and gained political momentum with the introduction of constitutional change and the achievement of universal adult suffrage.
Granger said independence, once achieved, enabled the elimination of the worst forms of discrimination, the extension of universal primary and secondary education and the emergence of local economic enterprises, among other changes.
“Independence ushered in an era of national pride which has buoyed Guyanese society. National symbols – such as the national anthem, awards, coinage, flag, institutions, patriotic songs and stamps – helped to define our distinctive identity. Guyana took its place as a sovereign state in the international community.”
Granger said public education, at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels, became more accessible with the introduction of new multilateral schools, technical institutes, teachers’ college of education and a university.
“Our policy for universal primary and secondary education will ensure that every child has a place in school by improving attendance through the provision of buses, boats and bicycles. Reforms of the public education sector are designed to improve attainment at examinations.
“Public infrastructure, with the construction of new aerodromes, bridges and highways and the extension of public utilities and services such as the supply of electricity, housing and water, enhanced the quality of life.”
Granger said that Guyana is a bountiful country.
“We are reminded, daily, about our potential. We are on the way to establishing a ‘green state’ in which the environment will be better protected, sustainable development of our natural resources will be pursued, cheaper and more abundant energy from renewable sources will be provided and the well-being of present and future generations will be assured.
“Guyanese are a beautiful people. We, the children of the continents of earth – Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe – are on the way to creating a more cohesive society,” he told the nation.
At least 49 women from various fields are among 96 people who will be conferred with National Awards by President Granger for their outstanding service and sterling contributions toward national development.
The event is scheduled for October 6.
