Independence flag raising billed for Stabroek Square

–vendors, public transport operators to be relocated

The Stabroek Market Square is the venue for the 51st Independence anniversary flag raising ceremony on May 26th, and preparations, billed at approximately $100 million, are due to begin tomorrow.

According to Town Clerk Royston King, the Mayor and City Council was contacted by the government with regard to hosting this year’s flag raising ceremony at Stabroek Square. “As a result, the council is in the process of putting in place arrangements to sanitise that entire area. This includes washing and remedial works to certain sections of the Stabroek Market front, washing and cleaning Stabroek Market, particularly under the canopy and its immediate periphery, including the drains around that facility, the removal of garbage and other rubbish from the square, resurfacing of the tarmac and washing and cleaning the entire area,” King said. The installation of lights, signs and other facilities will also be done.

After listing the general overview of the work to be done, King pointed out that the City Engineers have so far estimated that the project will cost approximately $100 million and will commence tomorrow, lasting approximately two weeks.

In terms of how this will be funded, King said avenues were still being discussed, though it was highly likely that the government will foot the bill.

“These arrangements involve other governmental agencies, groups and individuals. Over the next few days the City Engineer, Chief Constable, Public Health Inspectorate, Clerk of Markets and Solid Waste Director will visit the area to determine the resources necessary to achieve the objective to have that area effectively sanitised and ready for the anniversary,” King said, while highlighting that they will be working in conjunction with the Ministry of Education’s Department of Culture, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the National Trust, along with other agencies.

‘Temporary relocated’

King said that while the work is being done, vendors, minibus and hire car operators will be temporarily relocated. However, where they will be placed has not been identified as yet. “Buses and hire cars will be temporarily relocated, there will be no vending operations for the short period we are using there as a civic square. As we do our works in phases, they will be gradually relocated but the spots are being worked out by the engineers,” he said.

With respect to a more permanent solution for the minibuses, hire cars and vendors occupying the Stabroek Square, King explained that such a solution was tied to the wider parking initiatives, such as paid parking and parking meters. “Part of the wider arrangement is to reduce congestion and bring order to the city. Part of the wider plan is that there should be a permanent place for minibuses and hire cars,” he added.

Asked how he felt that the council was tasked to oversee preparations and how it felt that the Stabroek Market Square was chosen, King said he thought it was a brilliant idea and was part of what the council had envisioned, as it was in the process of transforming Stabroek Square into a civic square.

According to a Ministry of Education press release that was issued on Thursday, this is the first time that the flag raising ceremony will be held at the Square.

According to National Events Director Lt. Colonel Godfrey Bess, to achieve this, infrastructural works are scheduled to be undertaken and completed by the relevant stakeholders, such as the M&CC, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, the Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).

“The flag raising ceremony will be a military one along with a band display followed by the hosting of the Golden Arrowhead, and will conclude with a mega fireworks display,” the release quoted Bess as adding.

According to the release, there will be an Independence Cultural Showcase held at the National Cultural Centre on May 26th, which will feature Guyana’s offerings at the upcoming Carifesta XIII, slated for Barbados.

The release stated that Guyana will also be observing Youth Week from May 21st to May 27th, which will coincide with the independence observances. The theme is ‘Inspiring our Youth, Celebrating our Achievements.’

Youth Director Melissa Carmichael reported that the events will target approximately 5,000 Guyanese youth, aged 1435, and would feature events such as a Military/Paramilitary Parade, an Interfaith Opening Concert, Youth Folk Exposition, a Career and Training Exposition and Youth Expressions.