The relay of the torch is one of the key events of the anniversary programme and all member countries are participating in the activity to demonstrate unity and peace.

The torch was received by a senior Government official at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, to commence the Guyana leg of the relay.

The Government Information Agency (GINA) said it has been handed over to the relay team which is taking it around the country.

It will be brought to Georgetown where it will be handed over to President Bharrat Jagdeo before continuing its relay, the agency said.

The relay team includes five members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), 12 from the Young Entrepreneur Skills Training Programme at Kuru Kuru on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway and 15 from youth and sports groups.

The relay began at Charity in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) and moved to other parts of the coast yesterday.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Mr. Keith Booker, said young people from the Essequibo Coast participated in the event and cyclists and runners have been identified for the various stages of the relay.