PPP STATEMENT ON MASHRAMANI
The People’s Progressive Party extends Mashramani greetings to all Guyanese on the occasion of 44 years of Republican status.
Mashramani is an Amerindian word which means celebration after a hard day’s work. As Guyanese we have every reason to celebrate. We have worked hard to overcome the numerous challenges that stood in our way. The Guyana we live in today is vastly different from the Guyana which obtained during the time of independence and the attainment of Republican status.
Indeed, it would be an understatement to say that the country has made progress since the granting of Republican status. What we are celebrating today is a new Guyana in which there is democratic rule, respect for the rule of law, an independent judiciary, economic and social justice and cultural pluralism.
The PPP is proud of the fact that it has been successful in laying the foundations for the flourishing of the artistic and creative potential of the Guyanese society in a manner few multi-ethnic societies have managed to do. In this regard, all Guyanese should take pride in the cultural fabric that has been woven over the years by our individual and collective efforts.
The PPP wishes to take this opportunity to call on all Guyanese to put aside whatever differences they may have and become a part of this exciting task of nation building. The Party is convinced that there is room for each and every Guyanese to contribute to the national good regardless of ethnic or political affiliation.
Let us use this occasion to reflect on the difficult road we have traversed over the decades and the challenges that are before us as we strive to build a peaceful, progressive and prosperous society in which we can all be proud of.
The PPP salutes all Guyanese on this significant milestone and extends a special welcome to all those overseas Guyanese who have graced the occasion by their presence in Guyana at this time.
PNC Message
The People’s National Congress Reform is pleased to extend greetings and good wishes to all of the people of Guyana as we celebrate the 44th Anniversary of our Republican status.
The anniversary of the Republic, apart from the national celebration of Mashramani, is an occasion for reflection and assessment of the state of our nation, 44 years after Guyana was declared a Republic. In that regard, it must be evident to all that we, as Guyanese, need to undertake a frank and honest evaluation of whether our nation is headed in the direction that would bring us all, particularly our young people, progress and prosperity.
Our Party has joined our partners in APNU to declare and dedicate our energies to making 2014 the Year for Workers. However, we are conscious that, as a nation, we are challenged to remove the threats posed by the scourge of criminality and violence; corruption; the continued lawlessness in high places; the intolerance of views, other than those expressed by the Administration; all of which contribute to infusing a sense of despair and the feeling of hopelessness that is currently afflicting the young people of this nation.
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 44th Anniversary of our Republic.
Message from the AFC
The Alliance For Change joins with all Guyanese in observing our 44th Republic Anniversary. It has been a year of hard work and in the true spirit of ‘Mashramani’ let us celebrate!
But even as we celebrate, let us be reminded that this Republic Anniversary comes at a time when we find ourselves struggling to preserve one of our symbols of nationhood, and some may argue our most important – our Constitution. This Supreme Law, which sets out our identity as a nation and as a people is under threat.
Sections of this national charter are today being subjugated by leaders’ intent on imposing partisan party doctrines above the Articles of our Constitution and in the process undermining the democratic progress we have made over the years.
Through strong and continuous advocacy we have seen the Office of the Ombudsman being filled. Many other Constitutional Offices remain either vacant or filled by persons in an acting capacity. This is against both the dictate and spirit of our Constitution and must not be allowed to continue.
The Alliance For Change is committed to upholding the rule of law starting with our Constitution and calls on all Guyanese to lift their voices for the promotion and protection of this – the Supreme Law of our Country.
Let this be our resolve as a nation as we enter another year as a Republic and recommit to forging a democracy that offers all citizen of Guyana a place we are proud to call home. Happy Mashramani Guyana!
Message US Secretary of State, John Kerry.
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to extend best wishes to the people of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana on your nation’s 44th anniversary.
The United States and Guyana share a dynamic partnership based on common interests and aspirations for peace, democracy, and respect for universal rights and freedoms.
Our partnership through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative enhances the security and prosperity of the region by increasing law enforcement capacity. We are working with the youth of Guyana to provide training for better economic opportunities. And through PEPFAR, we are proud to join with Guyana to reach its goal of Getting to Zero: zero new HIV infections, zero stigma and discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths.
Our efforts to promote a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient natural environment are important to the entire region. We look forward to strengthening our cultural, business, and personal ties to help build a prosperous, secure, democratic, and healthy Guyana.
As you gather for Mashramani festivities, I wish all Guyanese peace, happiness, and a productive year ahead.
