The Indian Action Committee (IAC), in recognition of the 49th Anniversary of Guyana having achieved republican status on 23rd February 1970, is calling upon all Guyanese citizens, including those who will be involved in public celebrations, to observe this day in a safe and considerate manner given the fact that many persons will be consuming alcohol in large quantities.
The IAC further calls upon all drivers who are involved in festivities to observe the basic rule of not drinking and driving.
The IAC recognizes that the date itself is linked to the Berbice uprising of enslaved persons of African origin, which allowed the then Dutch colony of Berbice to be administered by the temporarily freed slaves for a period of one year between 1763 and 1764.
The IAC also recognizes that a number of citizens, particularly dislocated sugar workers and many recently dismissed bauxite workers and their families will not be partaking in this year’s activities because of severe financial constraints and the organization encourages these persons to remain within their own communities and observe the day in private gatherings.
The IAC understands that many families of all ethnicities have been suffering and, presently, continue to suffer untold hardships in this current state of economic downturn in Guyana which began over three years ago.
The IAC is cognizant of the political and ethnic tensions that have risen to a dangerously high level following the passage of the recently upheld No Confidence Motion in the National Assembly and, also, the blatant unconstitutional behaviour of the defeated Coalition government, which is contemptuously disobeying the lawful decision of the Honorable Chief Justice; and, as a result, the IAC strongly believes that the nation is hurtling towards a grave constitutional crisis given the contemptuous and unconstitutional behaviour of the Guyana Elections Commission headed by its unconstitutionally and unilaterally- appointed Chairman.
The IAC joins with the political parties, religious bodies, trade unions and other civil society groups in the call for inclusion, genuine and lasting national unity in the drive towards economic development and prosperity.
The IAC wishes all Guyanese a Happy 49th Republic Anniversary.