Hold steadfast to ensure continued development – Min. Allicock
―observes 49th Republic anniversary celebration in Port Kaituma
DPI, Guyana, Saturday, February 23, 2019
The message of harmony resonated with the residents of Port Kaituma, Region One last evening, as Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock called on them to remain “patriotic and unified” in the continued development of their community.
But this was not before Regional Councillor of the Matarkai Sub-District, Shem Cuffy unceremoniously walked off the stage as Minister Allicock was being introduced to deliver the feature address at the Regional Flag Raising. Over 200 persons gathered at the Port Kaituma Community Ground, Fitzburg, to observe the occasion. The councillor was supposedly representing the Regional Chairman who whose name was on the programme to speak at the event.
Despite this disrespectful act, Minister Allicock reiterated his call for unity, reminding the Port Kaituma residents that their community was neglected for 23 years under the former PPP/C administration. He said that the Coalition Government stands ready to support the vision of the people because “we are a government of six political parties representing people of all races, all of the people of Guyana.”
Under the Coalition Government, Port Kaituma saw the construction of paved roads, maintenance of the road from Port Kaituma to Matthews Ridge allowing for easier access between the two communities. The region also has a capital town equipped with public services that the residents previously travel to Georgetown to access.
He took the time to remember those pioneers would have led the charge that saw Guyana attaining republican status 49 years ago. He said that that the people understand the significance of this important observance, even as the country is on the verge of becoming a wealthy nation with the revenues that will accrue from first oil in 2020.
“This journey that Guyana has travelled is one that continues to grow in glory to glory…to achieve this we had to have visionary leaders …. Today we must reflect on the period when Guyana became an independent nation and then a republic…you must also reflect on what Port Kaituma was 49 years ago and what is today.”
Minister Allicock was accompanied by Ministerial Advisor, Mervyn Williams, Legal Advisor, David James and Project Coordinator Ronald Lee-Bing.
The audience were treated to cultural pieces including dance, songs and poems by youths from central Port Kaituma, Four Miles, Citrus Grove and Oronoque, and students from the Port Kaituma Primary and Secondary School and the Dormitory.
Synieka Thorne.
Image: Tejpaul Bridgemohan.