President Bharrat Jagdeo on Friday bestowed more than one hundred Guyanese with National Awards. The 2011 investiture ceremony was held at the National Cultural Centre (NCC).
The president urged awardees to maintain the high standards displayed in serving the country, while stressing the need for there to be continued progress through development.
He noted that having the proper attitude is key in ensuring that persons are successful and, in turn, the country benefits from the services provided.
Hard work, determination and commitment, he said, are key ingredients to success, noting that the generation of the day does not value the qualities of honesty and integrity.
While congratulating the awardees, the president said there is need for those presented with the country’s National Awards to continue to make sterling contributions to the country in their respective fields.
“You have distinguished yourselves in your respective fields, and as such, your country sees it fit to bestow on you the accolade of a National Award… Guyana honours you, salutes your achievements, and values your contribution.”
Sterling contributions
President Bharrat Jagdeo
The president noted that for way too long national awards were not bestowed on those who have dedicated their lives to serving Guyana, but stressed that “it is important to recognise contributions”. “Whatever the reason to which you received the award today, I want to assure you that you have played a very important role in national formation thus far, and I hope that you will continue to play a greater important role as our country evolves in its rightful destiny,” said Jagdeo.
He said all citizens should attempt to work towards the goal of ensuring that all can live in comfort, peace, safety. “… this is a goal that unites all of us, whether you are president of Guyana or someone who works in the bauxite or sugar industry… We are all a part of this country that we call our home and we are committed.” Though noting that the task of ensuring that Guyana continues to prosper is not an easy one, the president said it is going to be exciting.
“We look forward to your help in the upcoming period, not in a partisan way, but in a way to ensure that Guyanese values, Guyanese unity, progress remains primary before and after the elections… we are breaking a cycle of the past, a cycle that affected our country, a cycle of undemocratic rule, a cycle of violence.”
Jagdeo added that Guyana has come a long way in changing the political climate and environment in which citizens operate and that must be recognised and appreciated across the board.
“We are extremely grateful for the example that many of you have set… we need the example of the service you have given to continue.” President Jagdeo said accumulated wisdom is critical in assisting the next generation to take over the reins of leadership.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Advisory Council for the Orders of Guyana, Justice Carl Singh said those chosen have contributed significantly towards the country’s development, noting that they received their national badge of distinction. He said the awards set the recipients apart from ordinary citizens.
Singh noted that the persons chosen will be indelibly etched in the minds of nations.
National Awards represents the national value of the citizen, the most practical recognition of merit that a country can give to its citizens showing our appreciation for the exceptional service they have given.” A moment of silence was held for those honoured posthumously, including Dr Desrey Fox and Satyadeow Sawh who received the Cacique’s Crown of Honour.
Also honoured were previous awardees who died: 36 recipients of the Golden Arrow of Achievement, 36 recipients of the Medal of Service, five recipients of Military Service Medals, five recipients of the Disciplined Services Medal and 23 recipients of the Cacique’s Crown of Honour.
Among those that were honoured last Friday were Police Commissioner Henry Greene, recipient of the Discipline Service Star; army chief Commodore Gary Best, recipient of the Military Service Star; Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, with the Order of Excellence (OE); Legal Affairs Minister Charles Ramson and Carl Singh, with the Order of Roraima (OR); and Guyana Revenue Authority Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur, with the Cacique’s Crown of Honour (CCH). Among the recipients of the Medal of Service were Dr Holly Alexander, Nicollette Fernandes, Dunstan Barrow, Courtney Benn, Wilfred Success, Dr Arlington Chesney, Dr Faye Clarke, Michael Parris, Andrew Lewis and Aliann Pompey.
Comments are closed.