President David Granger celebrated his 70th birthday at Base Camp Ayanganna on Wednesday and received a gift of a 40-seater boat which will be used to transport children residing in the Pomeroon area to school.
According to a press release from the Ministry of the Presidency, Granger told the over 400 guests gathered that his birthday was more of a thanksgiving celebration and he had requested donations of items, such as speedboats to transport students to school who reside in the hinterland and riverine areas, as opposed to expensive gifts.
“This is a very practical gift,” Granger was quoted as saying, “so hold the frankincense and hold the myrrh, let’s have the school boats instead.”
Social Cohesion Minis-ter Amna Ally mentioned that travelling to school is expensive for the children in the Pomeroon area and it can cost as much as $5,000 per week, which was of concern to the President.
According to the release, the donation of the boat, which was equipped with a shed and life jackets, was made by members of the business community and a group of the president’s friends.
At later date, a presentation of the boat will be made to the residents of Pomeroon before the commencement of the new school term.
Meanwhile, Granger also used the occasion to reiterate Guyana’s objection to Venezuela’s decree seeking to claim virtually all of Guyana’s Atlantic waters. Further, he also thanked Caricom for its support of Guyana in matter.
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo also extended congratulatory remarks to the President during the festivities, the release said.