Guyana celebrates 56 years of Independence
Guyana is celebrating its 56th anniversary of independence from the United Kingdom today.
To mark the occasion, a cultural extravaganza was held last evening at the Damon Square in Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast.
Heavy rainfall could not stop the show as the committed performers braved the elements to deliver a stunning portrayal of “One Guyana”.
President Mohammed Irfaan Ali got in on the action by leaving the cover of his tent to join a group of performers as they danced in the rain while waving the Guyanese flag.
Before the performances, he addressed the patrons at the event and said Guyana’s future would be bright as the country reaps the benefits of its oil and gas resources.
The first item on Ali’s agenda will be to develop Guyana’s infrastructure to ease the lives of citizens.
The government will sign a contract for six regional hospitals worth US$180 million.
Another contract for a US$175 million for a new National Maternal and Child Care Hospital is in the works.
“And we are working with the best in this business. We are working with kindness in global health care, and yes, we recognise that we must fix broken systems,” Ali said.
On Wednesday, the country signed a US$260 million agreement with a Chinese joint venture company to construct a new crossing over the Demerara River.
“We are here to sign the largest contract for a transport infrastructure project ever financed by the government of Guyana,” said Public Works Juan Edghill, as he expressed gratitude to the many stakeholders and partners, who he said worked over ten years to get the project signed.
“History is in the making right before our very eyes. It has been a long and challenging road leading us here. Today is the culmination of almost ten years of planning dating back to March 2013.”
The new facility will replace the almost five decades old current floating structure, and the 2.65 km four-lane, high span bridge will have a hybrid design that will allow for the passage of large vessels.
It will have a lifespan of 100 years and is expected to be completed and commissioned within the next two years.
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