Government buckles; Reverts to Durban Park for 51st Independence Ceremony

The Ministry of Education’s Department of Culture which previously announced that the 51st Independence flag raising will be hosted at the Stabroek Market Square, has since shifted the event back to the Durban Park.

The final decision was announced today (Monday, May 8, 2017) following a meeting of the Director of National Events, Lt. Col Godfrey Bess and various stakeholders at Durban Park, to assess and address where necessary preparatory works will be undertaken for the upcoming Independence flag raising.

According to a statement from the Ministry, the change of venue is as a result of “the likely inclement weather, and to ensure that there would be no disruptions of normal life and business in that area, as there was much preparatory works to be completed.” These factors that may have been overlooked when the previous venue was chosen.

The Durban Park can accommodate more than 30,000 persons, the statement notes adding that as a result of the change of venue from the Stabroek Square, the proposed cultural show at the National Cultural Centre and all other flag raising related activities will be hosted as part of the event at Durban Park.

This is in addition to the Regional flag raising events that will be hosted as planned.

According to the Director of National Events, Lt Col. Bess, the ultimate objective is to ensure that the event is grand and as inclusive as possible.

Additionally, recently, Minister with responsibility for the sector, Nicolette Henry met with several officials to flesh out concepts further aimed at ensuring a successful, celebratory observance.

At that meeting it was revealed that a week of activities is planned for May 21 -27 and the approach will see active participation from several ministries spearheaded by the Ministry of Education Department of Culture, Youth and Sport.

Director of Culture Ms. Tamika Boatswain while noting that cultural and other Independence events abound in all Regions stated that the mega-culture- filled evening would celebrate Guyana’s ‘Past, Present and Future’ with specific focus on presenting the nation as an ‘Emerging Green State’ in keeping with President David Granger’s vision.

This cultural showcase will feature Guyana’s offerings to the upcoming Carifesta XIII slated for Barbados.