by Shirley Thomas
Guyana Chronicle
May 27, 2001

MAGNIFICENT drill displays by Guyana's military and paramilitary; rich musical renditions by the Guyana Police Force band; glittering star-spangled, oriental and cascading fireworks; and a youthful exuberance of highly talented dance performances by hundreds of colourfully clad children and young adults - all formed part of a packed programme of activities to mark the 35th Independence anniversary celebrations at the National Park in Georgetown on Friday evening.

The programme got under way around 19:30 hrs with cultural performances by local artistes paving the way for the eagerly awaited drill displays by the Army and Police.

At around 10:30 hrs, the contingents, smartly clad in ceremonial attire, and moving in precision, marched onto the tarmac, taking up positions as they awaited the arrival of Prime Minister Sam Hinds, and later, President Bharrat Jadgeo.

And among the many distinguished invitees at the flag-raising ceremony was WBA Welterweight Champion, Andrew "Six Head" Lewis, currently on a visit to his homeland following his victory at the historic February 18 world boxing championship fight in Las Vegas.

As the statesmen made their arrival into the park, the Disciplined Services contingents, at the word of command, in the traditional style, commenced an impressive march past and inspection of the guard of honour.

At 23:15 hrs, Culture Minister, Ms. Gail Teixeira addressed the gathering but was done a disservice by the sound system, rendering it impossible for the thousands gathered in the stands to hear her.

The technicians, however, managed to correct the problem just in time for the scheduled 23:35 hrs (11:35 p.m.) Presidential address to the nation by Mr. Jagdeo.

In his address, he urged: "On this eve of the thirty fifth anniversary of our political independence...we must recount the past, and assess the present with the aim of forging a vision for the future."

"It must lead us to seek innovative means in a changing world to meet the unchanging values and ideals that inspired us," he stated.

The Head of State noted that in the past, we laboured to earnestly to build the economies of others, adding: "now we must work for ourselves to secure our families and build our communities and our country."

He called on Guyanese to recapture the spirit of labour, and opined that too many Guyanese are losing the courage and pride that hard work brings.

President Jagdeo concluded: "We must work together to achieve our great potential...to contribute a little more to create a compassionate society."

The President's address was followed by the marching on of the guard of honour done by the Guyana Defence and Police Forces, in preparation for the solemn and historic hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead.

At 23:50, at the request of the Master of Ceremonies, all stood for the solemn occasion, and President Jagdeo, Prime Minister Hands and Minister Teixeira joined the members of the Disciplined Services on parade on the tarmac in preparation for the hoisting of the flag.

But even as the crowd gathered at the National Park was earlier celebrating and jubilating, several hundreds of miles away was a detachment of young and gallant soldiers, under the command of Lt. A. Pompey, the Commander of the Guyana Defence Force patrol.

Cold and shivering, they were way atop Mount Ayangana, as they too prepared to hoist the Golden Arrowhead for the 35th anniversary.

At 23:23 hours, via satellite link up, Lt. Pompey reported live to His Excellency the Head of the Disciplined Services and others at the base of the flag mast at the National Park: "...We are now raising the Golden Arrow Head, in recognition of Guyana's thirty fifth Independence Anniversary..."

He said the patrol comprised two officers and eight other ranks.

The patrol departed Camp Stephenson, Timehri on Friday May 18. On Thursday May 24 they left the base of the mountain, climbing to the first shelf.

The following day Friday, he said they started climbing the final leg, and arrived at the top of the mountain at 16:30 hrs.

Relating from the top of the mountain, just how dangerous the climb was, and painting a graphic picture of the cold and dark conditions, he stated in a very moving manner: "We will spend the remainder of the night here, and descend at first light."

"The climb is extremely difficult and dangerous; the temperature is very cold, and we have very strong winds presently."

Before raising the Golden Arrowhead, he congratulated members of the patrol for the support they gave each other to make the climb a success.

He extended heartiest congratulations to the nation on the occasion of the 35th Anniversary of Independence of Guyana, then faded away, at which time commands were given for the ceremonial hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead at the park in Georgetown.

Leading up to the hoisting of the flag, patriotic renditions were played by the Guyana Police Force Band.

As the flag was slowly hoisted, all present, in a most moving show of patriotism, stood at attention and motionless.

Slowly it moved up the flagstaff amidst gentle breezes in the cold, dark night at the National Park, with the sound of the roll of drums at each jerk of the cord.

Throughout the process, all eyes were turned to the national flag.

And finally, as the Golden Arrowhead reached the top of the mast where it proudly and magnificently fluttered in the gentle midnight breezes, Guyanese gasped in excitement.

The fireworks lit up the night, the thunder of the exploding crackers rolling across the night.

It was about midnight and the eagerly anticipated day had dawned. Guyana had now attained 35 years of independent status, free from the shackles of colonialism.

The curtains came down with the singing of the National Anthem.