President Granger attends thanksgiving service in honour of Georgetown’s 175th anniversary
DPI, Guyana, Sunday, August 19, 2018
Leaders of the city of Georgetown were challenged to rededicate themselves to a life of service to the citizens, during a thanksgiving ceremony to mark Georgetown’s 175th anniversary at the St George’s Cathedral.
President David Granger, Ministers of Government along with Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and Councillors of Georgetown and other specially invited guests attended the early morning service.
Presiding Priest of the service, Father Thurston Riehl, noted that anniversaries must also be a time of reflection and not just Thanksgiving. “Today, I throw out a challenge to you … let us all rededicate ourselves to serve this city and our fellow man…” he said.
Former Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Greene, noted that history is important to avoid repeating mistakes made in the past. “In our case, we can restore Georgetown and fulfil the dreams of our ancestors and the vision of our leader for a good life,” he added.
Georgetown was initially established by the French in 1791 under the name Longchamps. A few years later, under the rule of the Dutch, the city was renamed Stabroek. In 1812, when the English took control of the city, it was renamed Georgetown in honour of King George, Greene explained.
The former Mayor will be making an in-depth presentation on the city’s history on Sunday, August 26 at the Pan African Gardens, Merriman’s Mall.
By: Tiffny Rhodius
Images: Tejpaul Bridgemohan