Golden Arrowhead hoisted at Parliament Buildings- as Guyana observes 44th Republic anniversary

Georgetown, GINA, February 23, 2014

Guyana’s symbol of nationhood, the Golden Arrowhead, was this morning hoisted in the fore court of Parliament Buildings in the presence of the Commander-in-Chief, President Donald Ramotar and the military top brass to celebrate Guyana’s 44th Republic anniversary.

President Donald Ramotar inspecting honour guard at Republic Day Flag Raising ceremony at Parliament Buildings

The Golden Arrowhead was raised by a Flag Ensign and accompanied the ceremonial 21-gun salute as members of the Cabinet, the Diplomatic Corps and the public observed the somber tradition.President Donald Ramotar, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and heads of the Joint Services reciting the National Pledge at Republic Day Flag Raising ceremony

Preceding the flag raising was the arrival of Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds, who was given the general salute, followed by the President’s arrival, the Presidential salute and the inspection of the Guard of Honour. There were four guards on parade: Number One was commanded by Lieutenant Akeem Curtain, the second guard comprising GDF female ranks was commanded by Lieutenant Texine Daw, The third guard, comprising GPF females, commanded by Cadet Officer Joel Hales and the male guard of the GPF, commanded by Assistant Superintendent Manny Bacchus.From left to right: Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, President Donald Ramotar, Youth , Sports and Culture Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, and heads of the Joint Services at the Republic Day Flag Raising ceremony

One hundred and four ranks, along with six officers, led by Parade Commander Dale De Mendonca, drawn from the joint services, formed the honour guard for the proceedings.
Sub-Lieutenant Rondell Douglas was the National Flag Ensign. GDF Lieutenant Lionel Beckford was the State Colour Ensign. The Force Colour Ensign was Lieutenant Rickford Warden. Escorts to the Force Colours were Warrant Officer Class 2 Rawl Rodney, Sergeant Jerriton Osborne and Sergeant Jermain Fraser were the Colour escorts and the Parade Warrant officer, Class 1 William Richmond.The hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead at the Republic Day Flag Raising ceremony at Parliament Buildings

Pandit Jagmohan Persaud, Imam Shaik Zakir Khan and Pastor Wendell Jeffrey offered prayers on behalf of the Hindu, Christian and Muslim communities. The GPF band corps and choir, directed by Major Robert Burns led those gathered in renditions of National Songs and the National Anthem, after which the parade marched on, bringing an end to the morning’s proceedings.
Guyana gained Republican status on February 23, 1970, close to four years after it achieved Independence.