Posted February 24th. 2001

My Fellow Guyanese

Today we celebrate the thirty-first year of Guyana being a Republic. As we do so let us reflect on our achievements as a nation since we took that bold step forward in 1970. Today, I share with you the joy that we all feel in being a free and independent nation.

Only a few days ago we all experienced deep pride in our national identity when we rejoiced in the victory by Andrew 'Sixhead' Lewis as he wrapped himself in the flag of our Guyana after winning the world welterweight title. We are equally proud of our cricket team and its Captain Carl Hooper, which did so well in the Busta Cup Competition. They made us all proud to be Guyanese.

On those occasions all our people cheered together. Today, we observe Republic Day and celebrate Mashramani again as one people. Republic Day and Mashramani are important national events. They must not be made partisan, otherwise participation in them will be harmed. Mashramani must be celebrated by all Guyanese. Our country is bigger than any political or other special interests. This is not a time for division. This is a time for unity and harmony. Our people, the Guyanese people, deserve no less.

Out of our unique and rich history we have carved for ourselves a national characteristic that distinguishes us from others. We are hard working people committed to the task of making our country free and prosperous, a freedom and prosperity that must be shared by all Guyanese. Our fore-parents who came from different parts of the world have left us a rich legacy after their struggle for freedom and progress. They laid the foundation of our country. We must together build on what they have achieved through blood sweat and tears.

Today, Guyana and Guyanese are being treated with growing respect. This has happened because of the many positive changes that have taken place, not least the return to democracy in our native land. We have worked hard as a nation to improve economic and social conditions despite our many difficulties. This show of commitment and dedication to building a bright new future makes me a proud Guyanese.

Mashramani festivities this year are being held under special circumstances. Our nation is preparing for general and regional elections in about three weeks time. This occasion presents us with an opportunity to prove once again that we can put the interests of our people and the interests of our nation above all else. In this election period, we must create an atmosphere of civility as we compete for political power. I know that we can all do it as Guyanese.

There is a bright future for all of us in Guyana regardless of race, religion, gender or politics. It is our Guyana to build. You are the real heroes in this national enterprise - you as workers, farmers, managers, professionals, mothers and young people. Everyone must feel they have a contribution to make as a Guyanese. My government will create the environment for this to happen.

We must have as our goal the building of a prosperous, caring and compassionate society. My Government will work in partnership with the private sector, with workers, with all the religious groups in our country to achieve this goal.

So, on the night of our Republic Anniversary in 2001, let us join hands in unity - wherever our ancestors came from - let us all celebrate that which keeps us together rather than that pulls us apart.

We should all be proud to be Guyanese. A Happy Republic day to all of you, enjoy Mashramani.

Long Live Guyana!