In commemorating the bicentennial anniversary of the 1823 Demerara slave uprising on Friday at the monument site opposite the Georgetown Seawall, President Irfaan Ali said that the protection and preservation of democracy must be a shield to safeguard Guyana’s freedom – a freedom that must never come under threat again.
Noting that democracy is the vessel through which the voice of the people finds expression, he said, “The seeds of freedom flourish in the fertile soils of democracy, nurtured by respect for human rights and civil liberties… In turn, the tree of freedom provides shade to democracy, supporting an environment in which diverse perspectives can thrive, dissent can be voiced without fear, and the people’s choices are respected.”
His statement appeared to be a reference to the attempt to rig the 2020 general elections.