Georgetown: In an effort to implement a decentralised governing system, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Administration will assign each administrative region across Guyana with its very own flag as a representation of independence.
Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan, who was represented by Ministry official Artiha Henry, made this announcement at the National Toshaos Conference on Monday at the Arthur Chung International Convention Centre.
Bulkan was unable to attend the conference due to the budget debates at Parliament.
According to the Minister, Central Government should not dictate what developmental plans are necessary for each region but rather, each region must tell Central Government where their developmental priorities lie. Thereafter, Central Government would provide the capacity and ability needed to achieve those goals.
“Central Government cannot dictate from Georgetown plans for the development of Region Nine… the needs of Region One cannot be solely determined by officers from Shiv Chanderpaul Drive,” it was explained.
The vision of the Ministry is to see each village and community being empowered to be self-sustainable and self-sufficient and capable of efficiently and effectively utilising its resources to develop its district.
“Each region, therefore, is expected to meaningfully participate to improve the lives of the residents and the same expectation of participation applies to villages and community development councils…The introduction of flags for each region is part and parcel of this new strategic vision,” the Minister’s speech indicated.
Consequently, each region will have its own emblem which embodies its unique identity. Region One’s (Barima-Waini) emblem is a turtle against a green and gold background. The turtle represents the leatherback turtle found on Shell Beach and the colours represent the two main economic activities in the region: forestry and mining.
Region Two’s (Pomeroon-Supenaam) emblem is a rice stalk against a white and green background. The rice stalk represents the main economic produce of the region while the colours represent the many waterways and the farming activities respectively.
Region Three’s (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) emblem is a ferry against a white, black and green background. The ferry represents the Ferry MV Sabanto and the colours represent the water resources, endurance of the people and the rich agricultural activities.
Region Four’s (Demerara-Mahaica) emblem is the Stabroek Market against a red and black background. The Stabroek Market is a representation of the region’s economic activity and the colours represent the zeal, strength and endurance of the people.
Region Five’s (Mahaice-Berbice) emblem is a rice farmer planting rice. The colours are black and green which represents strength and agriculture.
Region Six’s (East Berbice-Corentyne) emblem is a rice stalk. The colours are red and green and it represents the zeal of the people and the rich agricultural heritage.
Region Seven’s (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) emblem is a porkknocker and the colours are yellow, white and green. They represent the mineral wealth, the water resources and the vast forest.
Region Eight’s (Potaro-Siparuni) emblem is the Majestic Kaieteur Fall. The background colours are green, black and gold and they represent the abundant forest, the resilience of the people and the mineral resources.
Region Nine’s (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) emblem is the harpy eagle and the background colours are red, green and white. They represent the zeal of the people, the forests and the waters.
Region 10’s (Upper Demerara-Berbice) emblem is bauxite against a gold and black background. This represents the regions mining activities. The gold represents mining while the black represents strength and the ability to overcome challenges.
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