| From U.S. President Barack ObamaDear Mr. President,On behalf of the people of the United States, I congratulate you and the citizens of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana as you prepare to celebrate the 46th Republic Day on February 23.The bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two countries have never been stronger, grounded in our shared commitments to citizen security, improved governance, and inclusive democracy.These commitments are exemplified in Guyana by the announcement that Local Government Elections will resume and be held in March for the first time since 1994. Local elections are essential to bolstering good governance, development, and respect for the rule of law. Your efforts to ensure broad participation and an informed electorate will contribute to successful elections and a bright future for Guyana.Let me offer sincere wishes to you, your family, and the Guyanese people for a most gratifying Mashramani and Republic Day.From People’s Progressive PartyThe People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend greetings to all Guyanese as the nation observes its 46th Anniversary as a Republic. Becoming a Republic in 1970 was not only a historic moment in our history when officially governance by our colonial master was severed, but an occasion that imbued a profound sense of pride to begin charting our own course.The PPP believes that while it is an occasion to demonstrate pride and patriotism for self-governance and achievements, it is also a time for reflection. Our nation’s observances as a Republic generally crescendos with the much anticipated Mashramani float parade. However, in this our 50thyear as an Independent nation, the government has shifted this mega event to May for the jubilee celebration.No doubt there would be some level of disappointment since all Guyanese look forward to Mash Day. However, expectancy is for May. Since the change of government in May last year, Guyanese have become despondent which has exacerbated by economic slowdown and a creeping dictatorship. This has caused many to ask; what is there to celebrate even if the annual Mash parade was held.Over the last forty-six years under self-rule, Guyanese would have experienced the extremities of being impoverished and hopeless to being prosperous and hopeful. Those with authentic recollection would have seen demarcation of austerity, oppression and endemic poverty under the People’s National Congress’ government and unprecedented development, prosperity and freedoms under the PPP leadership.Unfortunately,Discount Football Jerseys, given what has transpired under this new administration,Air Max Zero Sale, our democracy is under threat and it appears that our country could be pushed once again into economic turmoil and authoritarian rule. As we observe the nation’s 46th anniversary as a Republic and prepare to celebrate its jubilee year of Independence, all must guard against any attempt to suppress freedom and derail progress.The pride demonstrated on these occasions is driven not only by a sense of freedom from our colonial masters, but with the security of knowing that our hard-fought democracy would be protected. As we demonstrate our patriotism on these national occasions, we must make our voices heard against all efforts to reintroduce any semblance of oppression.As the Golden Arrowhead flutters proudly for this anniversary,Air Max 97 Black Leather, so must all of us in our hearts knowing that our freedoms which are once again under threat must remain paramount. It is our Party’s fervent hope that as our nation observe yet another milestone, the despondency that prevails would be dispelled.Happy Republic anniversary to all!From People’s National Congress ReformThe People’s National Congress Reform is pleased to extend greetings and good wishes to all Guyanese as we celebrate the 46th Anniversary of our Republican status.This year, 2016, our nation celebrates its Golden Jubilee; 50 years as an independent nation. The national celebration of Mashramani, therefore, is an occasion for reflection and assessment of the state of our nation, 46 years after Guyana was declared a Republic and 50 years since we achieved our independence. In this regard,Adidas Stan Smith Shoes Sale, it must be evident to all that we, as Guyanese, need to redouble our efforts to banish crime, disease,Cheap Air Max 2018, ignorance and poverty. We must strengthen national unity, expand national infrastructure, fortify national institutions, ensure national security and extend public services.Our Party has joined our partners in APNU+AFC to declare and dedicate our energies to making 2016 the Year of Renaissance. This year we must all stand as one. This is the year for national unity. In the words of our Party Leader and President, “It is a year for recalling and recommitting towards the dream of a free, united and prosperous Guyana, one in which the good life is attainable by all.”Accordingly, the PNCR wishes all of the Guyanese people a Happy Republic holiday, and a joyous celebration of Mashramani, as we pray that the spirit of peace, love and unity will dwell among us on the 46th anniversary of our Republic.From Guyana Agriculture and General Workers UnionIn February of 1970 Guyana acquired Republican Status. This followed the attainment of our political and constitutional independence four years earlier in 1966.The colonial experience evolved, as it was, from the settlement of the territory by Europeans. Their administration saw the suppression of the native peoples; the savage treatment of Africans in a system of slavery; the cruel semi-slave conditions imposed on East Indians in a system called Indentureship. Such conditions fuelled our freedom struggles as they did in other countries also. May 26, 1966, then, is the day we celebrate our Independence and is also the beginning of the challenges but exciting effort to consolidate Guyana’s self-determination and our national identify. Our Republican status has been a stage along the way to ensure and fortify our nationhood.As in previous years,Cheap Air Max 97 Trainers, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is pleased to once again participate in the observance and celebration of this, our nation’s forty-sixth anniversary of Republicanism.As, we celebrate this landmark time of our history, we ought not to lose sight of the major tasks ahead. The foremost task before us is the forging of National Unity without which our people will not be able to enjoy fully the fruits of their economic efforts or progress in other sphere of our endeavours.Outside of such goals which we are confident are achievable, there are also more immediate issued invariably thrown up before us but which can detract from our main thrust and great achievements. One such issue being face by a significant sector of our population is that revolving around the Wales Estate where a real threat has appeared to the jobs of hundreds while hundreds more farmers face a future of uncertainty even ruin. This painful reality will surely dampen the festive spirit that should characterize our celebration of our status as a Republic.In spite of the new challenges before us, GAWU reiterates its commitment to national development and to all genuine efforts to being about a nation that is united, that zealously safeguard our political independence, strive for economic independence and embrace steps to strengthen a democratic culture. We also urge our leaders to seek to emphasize co-operation to confront those problems that exist in our midst the continuation of which can easily worsen to our collective detriment.Clearly, there are many tasks to contend with. Our leaders must show the will to address them for our people’s betterment generally and not for a mere handful. Let us keep such thoughts in focus as we celebrate this year’s Republicanism.The GAWU wishes our members and indeed all Guyana a Happy Republic Anniversary. |
