Large turn-out at New Amsterdam flag-raising ceremony
From Calvin Marshall
A LARGE section of the Berbice community was on hand Tuesday evening to witness the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead for the 30th time. Berbicians participated in what cold be described as one of the best organised flag-raising ceremonies in recent years. The Tuesday night event began with the customary candle- light parade involving members of the disciplined services, public servants and citizens. Led by Police outriders and a corps of drums, the marchers kept a steady pace from their starting point at Tacama Turn through Main Street (New Amsterdam) to the lawns of the State House where the main programme was held. Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Clement Rohee, in a brief address, urged the large gathering to adopt a disciplined approach to nation-building. Rohee, who was introduced by Region Six, East Berbice, Corentyne Chairman, Mr Rohit Persaud, said that Guyanese have shown their commitment to national development throughout the country's 30 years of Republican status. "We have gone through difficult times since Independence like many other developing countries. But we have made achievements, we have scored successes and thereby asserted ourselves in the Caribbean," the Minister said. He said too, that Guyanese have to look to the future with confidence and optimism and turn difficulties into opportunities for development. Following Rohee's speech was a lively cultural presentation from two sisters, Janita and Ramona Paltoo from Albion, Corentyne. Also performing were the New Amsterdam Prisons cultural group and the Mechanics Band. But it was Janita Paltoo who wooed the crowd with two Indian dances, one of which was a performance of the Indian version of "Tiny Winey". The Republican Drama Group comprising inmates of the New Amsterdam Prisons were at their best with songs, dramatic poetry and dialogues, some of which emphasised national unity. Musical entertainment was provided by the string band and a sound system from the Town. Prayers were offered for the nation by representatives of the Muslim and Christian religions at 11:50 p.m. Three of the winning groups, Bermine, Islington and Guyana Stores Limited which participated in a Mash Dominoes Competition, were presented with trophies and cash incentives during the preliminaries. This event was sponsored by Demerara Distilleries Limited as part of this year's regional Mash celebrations. At midnight, the crowd watched solemnly as the Guyana flag was hoisted by a member of the joint services. The singing of the National Anthem followed by display of fire works brought the curtains down on a wonderful evening.
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