Posted February 23rd. 2002

My Fellow Guyanese:

We are today celebrating the 32nd anniversary of our Republic. Every year, we mark this important historic occasion in a special way, with Mashramani being the centrepiece of our celebrations.

I wish to extend to you and your family special Republic Day greetings.

The 32nd year of our Republic will bring many important, and, hopefully, positive developments for our people.

Guyana will be hosting several major regional and international events, including the Third UK-Caribbean Forum and the CARICOM Heads of Government Summit. I will assume the Chairmanship of CARICOM and we intend to work hard to advance the regional integration process. This hopefully will bring us closer to the realisation of a single market and economy and a better life for our people.

Earlier this year, my Government outlined its development programme for 2002, consistent with our medium-term plans. These will lead to better social services and more opportunities for our people. Through the enhanced HIPC programme, huge sums spent on debt servicing will be used for poverty reduction and economic growth and job creation schemes.

We are celebrating our Republic anniversary at a time when the world economy is in recession. Traditional trade and financial relations are being altered to the detriment of small, developing states. As a result of this, many countries, especially those in Latin America and the Caribbean region, are experiencing unprecedented economic and social turmoil.

It is within this unfavourable external environment we have had to implement our economic programme. Yet we have managed to maintain stability in our macro-economy. Last year our economy recorded a growth rate of 1.9%, compared with an average growth of less than 1% in Latin America. The rate of inflation was 2.6% and our gross international reserve exceeded its target.

As I see it, to supplement domestic investment, Guyana will increasingly have to secure more foreign investment to create jobs and wealth. At the moment, much work is being done to attract investments in several new sectors, including information technology, garment manufacturing, food processing and tourism.

In relation to the traditional sectors, I recently launched the rice industry relief package to boost this sector, and commissioned the $2.2Billion Linden Economic Advancement Programme to create more opportunities for the 15,000 residents whose future in that community looked grim with the continued decline in the world bauxite industry. Shortly, the sugar industry modernisation and expansion project will commence.

I mention some of these plans because it is important that as a nation we continue to position ourselves on the world map as a place where people can do business.

There is no reason why this should not be so. We have a beautiful country with a huge resource base and more important, we have a hospitable and hardworking people whose alluring national culture has roots in some of the world's oldest civilisations.

Our individual and collective goals will only be realised if each and every one of us is prepared to do our part and contribute to this vision. And this is a job not just for the government, it is a mission for the whole nation.

The role citizens have to play in this national endeavour includes the way we do things: how we relate to our surroundings, the way we stand up for our country, and the manner in which we respect the Constitution and laws of the Republic.

What is even more crucial is the way we live, work and relate to one another. And this is where we can make a difference. This is where we can show the world that even though we are a young Republic, we are a mature people living in harmony.

We may not have reached the level of affluence as some, but we most certainly possess a rich national identity and the capacity to achieve greatness.

On this Republic Day, let us make it a duty to speak well of our country and not to do anything that will bring dishonour to our nation. Let us remember that every time we give people the impression that this is not a secure place for investment, we are actually denying employment for our people especially the young. As I recently told the newly commissioned officers of the Guyana Defence Force, peace and stability are essential conditions for our very survival.

As President of the Republic, I will do everything possible to create the conditions for our people to live and work together. At the level of distribution of resources, I will try to ensure that all Guyanese continue to be treated fairly. And, the security and the integrity of this nation will continue to be of paramount importance to my Government.

I will continue to seek the involvement of all stakeholders so that everyone feels involved in nation building. It is my expectation that the on-going dialogue with the Leader of the Opposition will allow us to cooperate and collaborate on national issues as we strive to build a more stable and a united Republic.

Soon, the Minister of Finance will present the 2002 Budget in the National Assembly. There, we will unfold, in more details, programmes and plans that will further enhance our well being in the areas of Health, Education, Housing and Security, among others. Job-creation activities will continue to dominate our efforts.

I am confident that at the end of this year we will see and feel that our country is qualitatively better.

I have the feeling that this year's Mashramani celebrations will be better than ever. It is time to participate in festivities. Equally important is that we do so, as a big, united and happy family.

I want to extend a special welcome to the thousands who have returned to Guyana for this occasion. I also send greetings to Guyanese wherever they are on this special occasion. I am sure that wherever they are they would be thinking of home on this special day.

I urge you, on this occasion, to dedicate yourself to the unity and prosperity of our Republic. Sacrifices were made to arrive where we are today and challenges there will be in the future. We will do well, if we face them together.

I want to reassure you that my Government will work hard every day in service of our people.

A Happy Republic Day and a joyful Mashramani to all Guyanese!

Office of the President
February 23rd, 2002