Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform, Aubrey Norton, yesterday announced that the Opposition would not be participating in the government-organized 58th Independence Flag Raising Ceremony, which is slated to be held in Linden tonight.
During the party’s press conference, Norton blamed the PPP/C Government’s “blatant disregard” for the people of Region Ten. The leader of the main opposition party expressed disappointment and dismay at the government’s planning of the ceremony, which he said has excluded regional officials from Region Ten. He further pointed out that this is a stark contrast to previous years, where regional officials from Regions #2 and #9, which are governed by the PPP/C, were fully included in similar celebrations.
“The Opposition wishes to express its profound disappointment and dismay at the PPP Government’s blatant disregard for the people of Region #10, the elected Regional Democratic Council of Region #10, and the Mayor and Town Council of Linden in planning the 58th Independence Flag Raising Ceremony. We wish to recall the PPP government boycott of the Linden Town Week and its unwillingness to complete many of the projects initiated by the APNU+AFC government are clear indications that they do not have the interest of the people of Region #10 at heart,” Norton stated.
Norton further accused the Government of being more interested in “photo opportunities” than genuine efforts to foster a united Guyana for all its citizens. He also slammed the government’s treatment of teachers in Region Ten, saying that they are being “ill-treated” and “oppressed” by the government’s policies.
Furthermore, the Opposition Leader emphasized that the current government’s exclusionary approach is only serving to deepen divisions and foster discord among the people of Guyana. He concluded that to celebrate with the PPP/C Government is to collude with those who are oppressing the people of Guyana.
The Flag Raising ceremony will take place today at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. This newspaper understands that the ground, which was formerly in a deplorable condition, has been undergoing repairs.
In past years, flag-raising ceremonies were held in Georgetown, either at the National Park or Parliament Buildings. During the APNU+AFC government it was held at D’Urban Park.
