The government has taken a decision to tone down the country’s 57th Independence celebrations, which were schedule to take place in Lethem from tomorrow.
The event will now be observed as a night of remembrance and prayer for those who lost their lives in the tragic Mahdia Secondary School dormitory fire.
“Our Independence celebration will now take the form of a night of remembrance and prayers in memory of our children…This independence will now be dedicated through prayer and remembrance to these our beautiful children of Guyana,” President Irfaan Ali said during a live broadcast to the nation.
Government was preparing to elaborately usher in the country’s independence in Lethem as they did last year in Region Two.
The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce in the lead up was advertising tour packages for individuals and groups who were desirous of participating in the celebrations.
Following the fatal fire on Sunday night, the President on Monday declared three days of national mourning.
“I ask that as a nation we utilise the next three days as three days of prayers for these children, their families and the community… There are no words that can describe this magnitude of pain that our brothers and sisters are going through today…We wish this day had never occurred… This is a pain we must carry as a nation and as a family. It is a pain we must share together and support in our prayers.” The Head of State also announced that no effort would be spared to help stricken families.
Last May, the country ushered in its 56th independence flag-raising ceremony at Damon Square in Anna Regina, Region Two, on the Essequibo Coast.
It was the first time the national celebration, which was packed with cultural items, was held outside of the capital.
