Independence suplement 25 05 14 by Guyana Chronicle

GUYANA CHRONICLE Independence Supplement Monday May 26, 2014

‘ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE’ BY TOTA C. MANGAR TODAY, May 26, 2014 marks the 48th anniversary of our country’s attainment of political independence from Great Britain. On this historic day in 1966 a new nation, Guyana, the only English-speaking one on the South American continent, achieved national sovereignty to become the 24th member of the then British Commonwealth of Nations, thus bringing to an end several decades of British colonial rule. Guyana’s road to political independence was indeed turbulent. For a brief period in the early 1950s its nationalist movement, the original People’s Progressive Party, under

the leadership of the Late Presidents, Dr. Cheddi B. Jagan and Mr. Forbes Burnham, enjoyed overwhelming support from the working class and the masses in general as they pursued the noble objectives of national unity and internal self-government . Their resounding victory at the 1953 general elections under adult suffrage astounded many, including local reactionaries, the Colonial Office and moreso the U.S. State Department. The mass-based party’s tenure in office was only shortlived as Great Britain under considerable American pressure, suspended the Constitution and overthrew the legally elected government under the guise of preventing the establishment of a communist state in the then British Guiana. The ironical

thing about it was that an interim government was imposed and it comprised of many individuals who themselves suffered humiliating defeat at the hands of the toppled nationalist candidates. As if that setback was not enough, the nationalist movement itself became severely fractured in 1955 into Jaganite and Burnhamite factions of the PPP and the eventual emergence of the People’s National Congress two years later. This development paved the way for the subsequent intense political rivalry between our two foremost leaders, Dr. Jagan and Mr. Burnham. Unfortunately, it was this split more than anything else which also led to racial strife and insecurity in the immediate pre-independence years. Subsequent events such as political and social instability, including strikes and disturbances, which erupted as a result of the Kaldor budget and the Labour Relations Bill in the early 1960`s clearly illustrated the turbulent waters that this nation had to endure. Loss of several lives, the destruction of properties and the severe dislocation of people to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars were the sad reality of life during this extremely dark period of our country’s history. Under a new electoral system of proportional representation in 1964 Mr. Burnham headed a PNC/U.F. coalition government. As Prime Minister he shouldered the responsibilities of leading the country to independence while his former colleague and by then bitter rival, Dr. Jagan, served as Opposition Leader. Political Independence was achieved on May 26, 1966. With independence came the termination of more than a century and a half of British colonial administrative rule. At the twitching hour of midnight, thousands of Guyanese of all walks of life stood proudly and cheered lustily as the Union Jack was lowered and our National Flag went up to herald the birth of a new, ambitious and independent Guyana. Among those who witnessed this highly significant and See page 4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Independence Supplement Monday May 26, 2014

‘ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE ...

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unique ceremony were the Duke and Duchess of Kent; Sir Richard Luyt, the first Governor-General of Guyana, former Conservative Colonial Secretary, Mr. Duncan Sandys; and Colonial Secretary, Mr. Anthony Greenwood and 62 delegates from 47 countries world-wide. Of added significance and to the tumultuous applause of all who thronged Independence Square, was that comforting “bear hug” embrace between Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham, the architects of Guyana’s freedom, only minutes before the attainment of nationhood. That emotionally charged happening promised much at the time but in the final analysis realized very little. As part of independence we saw the emergence of our new Guyana Coat of Arms. On it is seen the pride of our fauna life, two jaguars holding a pickaxe and stems of rice and sugar cane and facing each other proudly across a painted shield on top of which rests a visored helmet topped by the feathered crown of an Amerindian chieftain. Beneath a scroll-like banner boldly proclaims the Nation’s Motto: “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” while on the shield itself are found three barrulets of azure blue symbolizing Guyana’s watery nature and its water potential. This Coat of Arms justifiably accords pride of place in our national minds and reminds us of our unity and sense of purpose as an independent nation. Independence brought with it our National Flag, a slender golden arrowhead set proudly on a background of green and red and stands as a striking symbol of Guyana’s journey into the future. The lush green colour symbolizes the fields and forests of Guyana’s assets, of which the country is richly endowed. The red triangle represents the zeal and dynamic nature of nation building that lies before the young and independent nation while the deep black border stands for the endurance that will sustain the forward thrust of its people. Finally white symbolizes our rivers, waterfalls and our hydro-electric potential of this “Land of Many Waters”. Our new National Anthem is a popular aspect of our Independence. Reverend Archibald Luker wrote the words of “Green Land of Guyana” in response to the nation-wide competition sponsored by the then National History and Arts Council while our distinguished Guyanese educationist and musician, the late R.C.G. Potter composed its music. The title of our National Anthem is appropriate and expressive of colour and vitality and of land fertility. On the morning of the 26th May, 1966, the National Assembly witnessed all the pomp and pageantry and ceremonial

aspects of Westminster. In the historic Public Buildings, the Duke of Kent handed over to the country’s first Prime Minister, Mr. Forbes Burnham, the Constitutional instruments conceding to us the dignity and pride of Independent Nationhood on behalf of her Majesty the Queen and the British Government. Undoubtedly, the expectations of all Guyanese were very high at that point in time and they had every right to be. Our then Prime Minister, Mr. Forbes Burnham, expressed great optimism when he said: “Thus our journeyings to Independence have ended. We face, however, the harder but more emotionally satisfying and definitely more self-respecting tasks of making Guyana great among the nations - the task of building a free and just society.” What can we say 48 years after gaining independence? We certainly share the joy, pride and dignity of being an

independent nation. Our expectation was that with political independence we would have enjoyed political stability, national unity and social and economic progress. Unfortunately, the stark reality is that today our nation is still struggling to achieve these desired goals. The ‘bear hug’ embrace of 1966 independence seems to mean very little as we are more pre-occupied with the blame game and the scoring of cheap political points at this juncture of our country`s history. In several aspects we have fallen short despite the best efforts of many. Political stability and national unity are as elusive as ever. Post-1997 elections violence, some political and industrial actions as well as an escalation of criminal activity and post- November, 2011 squabbles at the highest levels are all testimony to this. While much progress has been made on the social and economic front the nation is still to completely rid itself of economic dependency on international financial agencies. Foreign debts, despite write-offs and debt rescheduling, continue to stifle us while we experience fluctuating and sometimes depressed world market prices for our products. We are still to fully accelerate our production and productivity drives. We continue to suffer from migration and consequential ‘brain drain’ and capital flight. We are feeling the devastated effects of the European Union sugar reforms. Then there is the impact of the growing global economic crisis. On the positive side our Low Carbon Development Strategy is gaining prominence on the international arena. There is even a greater challenge for all Guyanese in this post 2011 era. Unfortunately we are plagued with insensitivities and controversies which do us no good at this point in time. As we reflect on independence, let us show a greater sense of purpose and maturity, and greater mutual respect, tolerance and understanding of all Guyanese if we are to survive as a nation. Let us put nation first at this critical stage of our country’s history and in the face of an increasingly harsh and oppressive world environment in this twenty-first century of ours. A Happy 48th Independence anniversary to one and all! Long Live the Republic of Guyana!

GUYANA CHRONICLE Independence Supplement Monday May 26, 2014

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Independence Supplement Monday May 26, 2014

Dr Cheddi Jagan at the Flag Raising ceremony, May 1966

Dr. Cheddi Jagan

From page 8 standing. After the June 16, 1948 police shootings of five sugar workers at Enmore, close to Georgetown, the PAC and the Guiana Industrial Workers’ Union (GIWU), led by Dr. Jagan, organised a large and peaceful demonstration. At the funerals of the slain sugar workers a visibly angry and grievous Cheddi Jagan swore to dedicate the rest of his life to fight against injustice and oppression in then British Guiana - a promise to the nation that he kept unreservedly. Dr. Jagan’s next major step was the founding of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in January 1950. Using the PAC as a foundation, he created from it a new party that drew support from both the Afro-Guyanese and Indo-Guyanese communities. At this juncture, Forbes Burnham was brought into the party and assigned as chairman - a position initially meant for foundation member Ashton Chase but given to Burnham on the basis that he was already a lawyer. The PPP’s initial leadership was multi-ethnic and left of center, but hardly revolutionary. Dr. Jagan retained the leadership of the PPP. Other key party members included Janet Jagan and Ashton Chase, both PAC veterans. From its first victory in the 1950 municipal election, the PPP gathered momentum. However, the party’s often strident anti-capitalist and socialist message made the British Government uneasy. Colonial officials showed their displeasure with the PPP in 1952 when, on a regional tour, the Jagans were designated prohibited immigrants in Trinidad and Grenada. As a result of PPP endevour and representation, a British commission in 1950 recommended universal adult suffrage and the adoption of a ministerial system for British Guiana. The commission also recommended that power be concentrated in the executive branch, that is, the office of the governor. These reforms presented British Guiana’s parties with an opportunity to participate in national elections and form a government, but maintained power in the hands of the Britishappointed chief executive. This arrangement rankled the PPP, which saw it as an attempt to curtail the party’s political power. The PPP’s first government was formed in 1953 and the pre-independence government in British Guiana was between the period 1953-66, after which the sovereignty of the nation that Cheddi Jagan had relentlessly fought for was handed on a platter to the USA/UK protégée, Forbes Burnham. (Reprinted from Guyana Chronicle May 26th, 2011)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Independence Supplement Monday May 26, 2014

The Opposition’s 48th Independence anniversary gift to Guyana:

BARRIERS, BLACKMAIL & BLACKLIST

By Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

UYANA is about to celebrate our 48th Independence Anniversary and it is bitter-sweet for me. We are a young nation still and we are still a far way from realising all of our hopes and aspirations. We remain a proud nation, one which has achieved much amidst great challenges. Our future beckons with opportunities and the prognosis is a nation that is bravely moving in a trajectory of social and economic prosperity, just as our ancestors dreamt and just as we continue to dream today. The destiny of Peace, Progress and Prosperity is being made a sweet reality for our beautiful country. But I am saddened by another constant and bitter reality: an Opposition that is determined to place barriers and to offer blackmail and blacklisting as their sinister gift to our proud people. As we celebrate our 48th anniversary, the Opposition parties are engaged in an orgy of disgusting roadblocks to stop and reverse development in our country. As we prepare to celebrate our 48th anniversary, I see the sweet success of our achievement. The PPP/C Government will, in another month, eagerly release Guyana’s half year economic growth which will reveal that Guyana is set to achieve a growth rate of over 5%. Guyana is setting a pace of development that will see a 9th successful year of growth and 18 out of the last 22 years. As long as we remain on the same path, Guyana will record a 10th and then an 11th successive GDP growth in our 50th year of independence in 2016. This year, we will also release data that will show reduced poverty and increased life expectancy. A living standard survey will show more people living in their own homes, owning private vehicles, more homes with telephones and comfort utilities like computers, refrigerators, washing machines, TVs and so on. Guyana is a country that bravely moves forward to the tune ‘onwards, upwards may we ever go’. It is a country that is creating better lives for more and more people. It is a country where children of ordinary and poor families are becoming doctors, engineers, lawyers, accountants, managers, business people and entrepreneurs. More Guyanese own their own business. More Guyanese are traveling for vacation. More of them are seeking See page 14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Independence Supplement Monday May 26, 2014

BARRIERS ...

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recreation and vacation in different parts of Guyana and overseas. But our tremendous progress as a nation is also as a result of overcoming great challenges from people and circumstances that placed mighty barriers in front of us. The great odds we had to overcome did not daunt us and we must be proud of our achievements.

Yet our achievements must not deter us from realising that Guyana could have been even further along on the trajectory of development. We face considerable problems still. There are still too many of our sisters and brothers living below the poverty line and our infrastructure still needs modernisation and expansion. Our pace of develop-

ment has been slowed down by mighty and unnecessary barriers, a bitter reminder that our journey since independence has been filled with agony too. First, we lost 28 years because of a PNC-led dictatorship and thuggery. No one deny anymore that from 1964 Guyana struggled through almost three decades under an illegitimate, dictatorial

PNC administration because they kept themselves in power through rigged elections. No one deny anymore that it was an administration that was brutal in treating with people who openly opposed it and that people died because they dared opposed the PNC administration. No one deny anymore that unless you had a PNC party card,

you could not get a job, no matter what your qualifications. The present Commission of Inquiry into the death of Walter Rodney is a stark reminder of the tyranny that remains an ugly legacy of the PNC between 1964 and 1992. The murder of Father Darke, Kaoma, Vincent Teekah and several other people stand as a dark reflection of what our people and our country endured in the first years of our post-independence history. T h e u n d e r- d e v e l o p ment of Guyana after independence stands also as a consequential legacy of a PNC which wrestled power away from the PPP and which ruled with an iron fist through the 28 years they were in power. While they ruled with an iron fist to keep the population in check, they took full and absolute control of the media and took control of the economy. They destroyed Guyana’s economy, education and health system. Guyana’s GDP was lower in 1992 at about US$250 per capita than it was in 1964. Rice, sugar and bauxite which were Guyana’s economic pillars in 1964 had collapsed by 1992. Guyana’s meager infrastructure in 1964 was further eroded by 1992. Worst, Guyana was among the most indebted nation on earth by 1992, with a debt greater than 700% of its GDP. Since 1992, we have done a remarkable job of putting Guyana back on track, transforming a bitter journey into a sweet journey. Our development trajectory is upwards. Guyana’s GDP is now more than US$3,600 per capita. Our debt ratio is only about 45% of GDP. Only Trinidad and Tobago has a debt ratio that is as low as Guyana’s in CARICOM. Our education system has recovered and a country that not once between 1975 and 1992 had a top performer at CXC has topped CARICOM 7 out of the last 8 years. Our health system has been restored and life expectancy which was stagnant at

about 60 is now more than 70 years. But our struggle and our bold upwards social and economic trajectory is still under constant threat of various kinds of barriers, blackmail and blacklisting, sponsored by APNU and AFC. In a few days from now, Guyana will be blacklisted because the same old PNC (now calling itself APNU), aided and abetted by the AFC and WPA, refuse to join the Government in passing the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill. They have come up with one reason after another, including trying to blackmail the Government. The PNC and AFC blocked a bill that tried to equalise the environmental tax on bottles and plastic containers for beverages produced in Guyana and in CARICOM countries, even though the government begged them that should we not do so we risk being fined by the Caribbean Court of Justice. They claimed we are fooling people about the risk. Today, Guyana has to pay almost $1.2B in fines. Everyone agrees that Guyana must develop a tourist industry in order to accelerate our development. Everyone also agrees that we must have a 5-star hotel and an international standard airport. PNC leaders once said so. Check budget debates before 2010 and you will find the evidence. Mr. Moses Nagamottoo and Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan said so when they were with the PPP. International experts say we must have a 5-star hotel and a modern airport if we want a tourist industry. Yet APNU, AFC and WPA now are opposed to the Marriott Hotel and the expansion and modernisation of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. It is not that they have discovered that there is anything wrong with such development, but because they know these are initiatives See page 15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Independence Supplement Monday May 26, 2014

BARRIERS ... From page 14

that will accelerate Guyana’s development. They have decided that they must maximize barriers to delay these projects as much as possible to ensure Guyana’s development is stifled. Everyone in Guyana now and in the past agreed that hydro-electricity is a pre-requisite for accelerated economic and social development. Dr Cheddi Jagan spoke about this before 1960. Forbes Burnham not only spoke about it, but told the Guyanese workers that they must give up pay increases so that he could build a hydro-electric plant. Now that the PPP has made it possible, APNU and the AFC have combined forces to block the Amaila project, unnecessarily delaying the realisation of cheap and reliable hydro-electricity for all Guyana. They are desperately trying to stop the Specialty Hospital, the Amerindian Development Fund, the Corentyne River Bridge, the Deep Water Harbour on the Berbice River, a new Demerara Harbour Bridge, the Cunha Canal, new highways, hinterland roads, hinterland hospitals and schools, the ‘One Laptop Per Family’ programme, solar panel for people in areas without electricity and projects that will make better lives for thousands of people everywhere in Guyana.. All of these wicked shenanigans are designed for one thing – stop development in Guyana and scare away investors. Threatening investors is not restricted to international investors, but any local business or professional who does not cooperate with APNU and AFC is targeted. Poor Mr. Ron Webster, a successful businessman and true Guyanese, was molested as a ‘soup drinker’ before his death. When Kit Nascimento praises the Government for something good, he is called

a soup drinker. Ask Mr. Ramesh Dookhoo or any other business person who speaks out, not in support of the government, but in support of any project they see as good for Guyana, about the ridicule they are subjected to. The PNC’s DNA of intimidation is vividly on display by APNU every day in our country and no one is immune. Odinga Lumumba, Bishop Juan Edghill and Rev. Kwame Gilbert are ‘house slaves’ because as Afro-Guyanese they chose to work with the PPP to bring greater development to our country. Their DNA is one that must ridicule and intimidate people. The truth is that APNU and AFC are on a mission, not a mission to make Guyana better, but a mission to ensure that development is stalled. They will put up as many barriers as possible in their ugly assault on our nation to reverse development because this is the only way they see they can gain power to continue what happened in Guyana between 1964 and 1992. They will use blackmail to stall our development and they will invite and promote international blacklisting in order to achieve their gruesome goals. Mr. David Granger, Mr. Ramjattan, APNU and the AFC have no interest in Guyana; their only interest is power, at any cost. But in their desperate push to stop the PPP, they hurt Guyana and all Guyanese. As we celebrate our 48th Independence anniversary, let us unite to stop those who brought shame and agony on our people once before from hurting us and brining more calamity on our people and our nation. We stand against APNU and AFC to protect our gains and to continue our development, to ensure that our rights are preserved and our freedom blossoms into a future of unlimited possibil-

ity and prosperity. Even as I reflect on our country’s bitter-sweet journey, I wish all my Guyanese brothers and sisters a Happy Independence Anniversary. As long as we remain committed to the goal of a Guyana that provides equal opportunity and better lives for all, we can stop those who will accept under-development because they want power.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Independence Supplement Monday May 26, 2014

Guyana - an investment hotspot with bright prospects

FORMER Prime Minister of Spain, Jose´ Maria Aznar once said that, “without economic development, any potential for political openness and freedom will be questionable.” This ideology has been put to the ultimate test over the past years, as the world witnessed a global economic and financial crisis that will be talked about for years to come. In fact, parts of the world are still reeling from aftershocks of this crisis, while others are slowly rebuilding their economies. It is no secret that the Caribbean Region was not spared, particularly those countries that depend heavily on tourism. Known as the ‘Land of Many Waters’, our very own 83,000 sq miles Guyana was not completed unaffected, but thankfully as a result of visionary economic planning, the country was spared the worst, so much so, that even with a prolonged economic crisis, real growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was experienced for over eight consecutive years. But what exactly has driven the Guyanese economy? Why did it not crumble like some in sister CARICOM countries? Why did it manage to avoid laying off workers by the thousands as is being done all over the world? Guyana’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh rightfully said that this growth of about five percent per annum, seen across the length and breadth of the country, could not have

A night shot of the changing landscape of Capital City of Georgetown

Many investors have described Guyana as the most un-spoilt place on earth and were most astonished that the economy maintained a stable course despite a volatile global environment. been and indeed is not in any way accidental. The Government of Guyana has long recognised fully, how inextricably linked economic growth is to the well-being of people. Continuous growth in the Guyanese economy has seen the creation of more jobs, and the generation of more income which are ultimately resulting in improved living conditions for citizens. Economic performance has not only seen GDP growth, but all of the correlators are evident as well. These include: strong inward foreign direct investment, continued growth in credit to the private sector, stable prices, low inflation rates which continue to trend downwards, and other key macroeconomic fundamentals remaining on a favourable trajectory. It is this conducive economic environment that has led to a boom in investments in almost all of the 10 administrative regions. According to ECLAC’s annual report, Guyana earned US$294M through foreign direct investments in 2012 representing a 19 per cent increase from the previous year’s US$247M. Guyana has met most of the requirements to encourage investors with a stable macro-economic environment that has over the last few years seen a stable currency and low inflation, positive relations with neighbouring countries like Venezuela, a major trading partner, and Brazil, a rapidly emerging economy. With major infrastructure projects in the making like the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, the Cheddi Jagan Inter-

The Princess Ramada International Hotel Poolside national Airport (CJIA) expansion project, and the Marriott Hotel, Guyana is on track in transforming towards the new growth poles for development. The tourism sector for example has seen an influx of visitors, and with the CJIA expansion and Specialty Hospital construction plans; Guyana is bracing itself for an unprecedented development in the sector. Unfortunately those investments have been frustrated in the Parliament, with the political Opposition cutting the budgetary allocations for these key projects. Last year, contributions to GDP from the tourism sector were estimated at $22.2B by the World Travel and Tourism

Council which has also projected a 1.9 percent increase this year. There has been continued investor confidence in the Guyanese economy, higher than it has ever been, despite the prevailing political circumstances. Many internationally renowned companies such as Qualfon, a major international corporation in the ICT sector, has placed on record the view that Guyana is a good place to do business. In fact, Qualfon’s operations in Guyana are the most competitive in its overall global operations. The company See page 17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Independence Supplement Monday May 26, 2014

Guyana - an investment hotspot ...

From page 16 has invested millions of US dollars and is in the process of constructing another facility which will create over 6000 jobs. On the local side, a recent survey of commercial businesses show more than 91 percent enjoyed profits last year, proving once again, the dynamism of the Guyanese economy, and the rewards entrepreneurs have been enjoying. The Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) reported that total FDI increased by 17.2%, from US$164.4M in 2009 to US$198M in 2010. The agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors benefited from a 12.8% increase in FDI in 2010; the energy sector grew by 36.9%; mining and quarrying by 34.2%; manufacturing by 49.7%, and tourism and hospitality by 21.9%. In the housing sector alone, ordinary Guyanese men and women have expressed their confidence in the local economy by investing in building their own homes after the PPP/C Administration distributed over 100,000 houselots. Guyanese are very smart and are extremely cautious where their money is concerned, as such, had it not been for their confidence in the country’s stable economic climate then it is highly unlikely that they would’ve taken such risks. With the constant changing aesthetics, the City of Georgetown can no longer be aptly described as the ‘Garden City’. In a few years’ time, it would be completely transformed into a concrete jungle that could be compared to some of the most popular of cities. Already, the City is home to a series of international fast food chains, shopping malls, night clubs, movie theatres, and other recreational facilities. The Canadian Government is one of several diplomatic partners that have maximised on the opportunities to invest billions of dollars in job creation ventures such as See page 18

City Mall in the heart of Georgetown

GUYANA CHRONICLE Independence Supplement Monday May 26, 2014

WK Shopping Mall, Bartica, Region Seven

Guyana - an investment hotspot ... From page 17 in natural resources exploration. Four years ago, Minister Ashni Singh had said that, grouped together, international investor confidence in Guyana, from the exploration sector amounted to CDN $2B. The search for oil in a basin that was once vastly underexplored has seen reputable petroleum exploration companies CGX, of Canada, Repsol of Spain, and Exxon Mobil of the United Kingdom investing millions. As recent as May 14, Repsol signed another agreement with the Guyana Government to explore for oil in the Takutu block in the Berbice River. Within the last three years, historic large scale investments by First Bauxite Corporation in bauxite mining at the Bonasika mine along the Essequibo River, Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guyana Goldfields Inc., at the Aurora Cuyuni River Mines, Sandspring Resources Inc., at Toroparu mines and Reunion Manganese Incorporated in the Matthews Ridge area have been witnessed. Most recently Troy Resources, an Australian firm announced it had secured financing for its Karouni mine in Guyana and has already brought in a US$5M ball mill. Many investors have described the country as the most un-spoilt place on earth and were most astonished that the economy maintained a stable course despite a volatile global environment. A survey conducted by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) revealed that over 95 percent of companies performed extremely well, recording a profit. Some companies, especially the financial ones and investment ones have enormous capital. It must be noted that local and foreign investors are not confined to the City; in fact, Regions Two, Three, Five, Six and Ten have seen a tremendous influx of new businesses; while existing ones continue to thrive and expand. And sure enough, with the growth in the business sector came growth in the banking sector. Commercial banks have all expanded their reaches throughout the country, even in Lethem, Region Nine, which has emerged as a See page 19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Independence Supplement Monday May 26, 2014

Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) in Lethem, Region Nine

Guyana - an investment hotspot ...

From page 18 hub for investment activities, particularly given its close proximity to Brazil. As Guyana celebrates its 48th anniversary as an independent, sovereign nation, the words of JoseÂ´ Maria Aznar that economic development goes hand-in-hand with political openness and freedom, should be reflected on. As far as economic development goes, Guyana has achieved such in no insignificant terms. The PPP/C Administration has and continues to commit to the tenets of See page 20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Independence Supplement Monday May 26, 2014

Guyana - an investment hotspot ... From page 19 transparency, accountability and good governance; had this not been the case the country would not have been deemed at a prime investment location. And lastly, freedom, today in a world where it is unsafe for school-aged girls to have access to education and where thousands of lives are lost in unnecessary warfare, Guyanese citizens from the deep south of the Rupununi to the end of Moleson Creek are guaranteed rights and freedoms by the highest law of the land, the Constitution. For these and countless other reasons, Guyanese, wherever they may be, have every reason to be proud and to celebrate. The country is far from a bed of roses, but the achievements are monumental and the prospects are brighter than ever before. (GINA Feature)

Charity Mall in Essequibo, Region Two

Containers being shipped to and from Guyana through the John Fernandes Wharf

Skybar in Charity, Region Two

GUYANA CHRONICLE Independence Supplement Monday May 26, 2014

Prime Minister L.F.S. Burnham’s speech in Parliament on the presentation of The Instruments of Independence

(From colonial rule on May 26th, 1966)

our Royal Highness, Mr Speaker: May I, on behalf of the Parliament of Independent Guyana, and the people of this new nation, express gratitude first of all for your Royal Highness undertaking the duty – we hope with pleasure, of representing her Gracious Majesty the Queen of Guyana, on the opening of this first and significant session of the National Assembly of Guyana. Today is historic, primarily because we are indulging in an exercise which is the first of its kind by the Parliament of Guyana. We have come to the end of the road of Colonial Rule and not without significance, to our minds, is the fact that her Gracious Majesty, Queen of the United Kingdom, is Queen

of Guyana. Our associations with the Crown, our membership of the Commonwealth, are matters of free and untrammeled choice by the representatives of the people of Guyana. After some 150 years of British Rule and in some cases, misrule, we are now independent, but we harbour no bitterness. Bitterness we feel is for children and the intellectually underdeveloped. It is difficult, nay – impossible, to change the facts of past history and, in the circumstances, though we welcome with enthusiasm our new status, we are prepared not to spend the time ahead of us abusing those who once dictated to us, but rather to seek means of cooperation with them – to our mutual advantage, or should we say self-interest? I desire, on this occasion, to request you – Your Royal Highness, to convey to her Gracious Majesty, the Queen, the kind feelings we hold towards her as Head of the Commonwealth, and a person whom we have met, seen and admired, and in some cases loved. I shall ask your Royal Highness to convey to Her Majesty, the Queen of Guyana, the loyalty of the people of the independent nation of Guyana, who are happy to have her as their Queen. The days ahead are going to be difficult. In the circumstances, we are heartened and encouraged by Her Majesty’s kind wishes, and also by the asseverations of friendship and

willingness to assist coming from other Governments in the Commonwealth, more particularly in the present circumstances, from the Government of the United Kingdom. Tomorrow, no doubt, we as Guyanese will indulge in our usual political conflicts and ideological difference, but today, to my mind, is above such relatively petty matters, for today Guyana is history.m Today, we say goodbye to the British as masters, and we shake hands with them as friends and colleagues.

It is difficult to say more - a descendent of those who were brought here against their will, one who has known the embarrassment of being a Colonial subject, I am moved and all I can say now is: ‘Thank You Sincerely, your Royal Highness’, and please be good enough to convey to the Queen our thanks, our gratitude and our undertaking to make Guyana an outstanding member of the Commonwealth – we hope surpassing those who have been independent members for years before us. Thank You!