Anna Regina hosts first town day – event timely and significant - PM
The Anna Regina Town Council’s Interim Management Committee (IMC) in collaboration with the Region Two Administration, and the business community, today kicked off the first Anna Regina town day.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker, Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Ally Baksh and Chairman of Interim Management Committee (IMC) Toolsie Narine at the launch of the first Anna Regina town day.
The three-day event which is being held under the theme “Fostering our community relationship, promoting our cultural history” coincides with the 23rd anniversary of Anna Regina’s township.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds who spoke on behalf of His Excellency President Donald Ramotar stated that the event is timely and significant as the Region is in the process of development.
Persons gathered at the launch of Anna Regina town day which was held on the lawns of the town council, Region Two
During his address to those gathered at the launch which was held on the lawns of the Anna Regina Town hall, Prime Minister Hinds charged that even as they celebrate, they must reflect on the improvements that have occurred over the last two decades in the Region.
He then reiterated the need for togetherness to further advance the country. “We are in the early days of development, we have done much, and there is still more to be done…the job of building our country is ours, we have to build this land,” he urged.
A father and daughter performing at the opening of the Anna Regina town day
The developments in Anna Regina and Region Two as a whole are testimony that things are happening in the best interest of the people, he stated.
“Growth and development brings challenges,” he said, as he alluded to the challenges faced by the Government to make cheaper energy available to all Guyanese.
The Region has much more to celebrate this year, and more especially the township as they managed to top the country at the Caribbean Secondary School Examinations (CSEC) for two consecutive years. This year, Zimeena Azealia Rasheed secured passes in 20 subjects- 18 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos, while Yogeeta Persaud copped the second position with 18 Grade Ones. Both of them are from the Anna Regina secondary school. Last year, Abram Zuil Secondary’s Sarah Hack copped the Caribbean’s top CSEC spot having achieved 16 grade ones.
Prime Minister Hinds congratulated the top performers and urged them to give back even as they move on. He also commended the teachers, the parents and the regional administration for the work they have been doing in the education sector, and that they should strive to further improve the performance.
Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker expressed happiness to be a part of such an event, and said that it is an example of what the region can achieve once its people work together.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds mingling with some of the patrons at the Anna Regina event
Minister Whittaker congratulated the team whose members have worked hard to coordinate the programme.
“We need to reflect on what is expected out of this event,” Minister Whittaker said. He stressed that the people should use events such as this, not just to a showcase what they have to offer, but also their achievements and to provide opportunities for further investments.
The region has over 20 historical sites, and Minister Whittaker added that the regional administration should seek ways in which they use those sites to create employment, and services, and encourage tourism.
Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Ally Baksh who hails from Essequibo, said that the Region has come a long way in terms of development as he offered a brief history on Anna Regina since it became a town in August 1990.
Minister Baksh highlighted agriculture as one area that has seen significant developments, and urged the people to know their history, know where they came from and where they are.
Regional Chairman, Parmanand Persaud also reiterated the need for togetherness to further the region’s advancement.
“Education is a hallmark for the regional administration,” Persaud said, as he applauded the efforts of the relevant authorities for monitoring all aspects of the education sector, thus, making the region successful.
Persaud promised that the regional administration will continue to assist and make representation at the national level to further move forward the region’s health, education, security, water, electricity and infrastructure.
The event will feature activities such as, a cultural show, a street lime, an exhibition, Anna Regina Town Queen Pageant, street football, domino competitions, and interaction with the public on development of the township, visits to historical sites and a social evening.