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The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), on Saturday 6th August 2022, will be holding its annual laying of Floral Tributes on the 37th death anniversary of the party’s Founder Leader, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, O.E., S.C. The party, in a statement, said the ceremony at the Mausoleum, Place of Heroes, Seven Ponds, Botanical Gardens will be held at 07:00 hrs (7:00 am) to be followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the Bust at the NCW Headquarters, 44 Public Road, Kitty.
Mr. Burnham was Guyana’s first President with Executive responsibilities having acceded to the office under the 1980 Constitution.
Under his leadership, as premier then prime minister, Guyana achieved Independence and Republic status, and the characteristics of ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny,’ and the tri-sectoral (government, business and cooperatives) economy were forged. An array of other developmental projects and services were implemented, some of which are mentioned hereunder:-
Guyana joined and became a leading member of the Non-Aligned Movement, was regional co-founder of The Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA), Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA), and Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The country also became a member of the United Nations (UN) and International Labour Organisation (ILO) families.
Free education from Nursery to University was made constitutional and implemented. There was desegregation in the school system based on gender, race, class and other socio-economic and political factors in efforts to forge equity and equality from a nation of peoples with diverse historical lived experiences, ethnic tension and division.
The national Feed, Clothe and House (FCH) Programme facilitated the growing and consumption of local products, including promotion of local manufacturing and products to conserve vital foreign exchange.
Guyana made its own local ferries and military vessels at the Guyana National Engineering Corporation (GNEC). Motor vehicle (the Tapir) was locally made, likewise radio, stereo, stove, oven, freezer and refrigerator. Guyana had its own local air carrier, the Guyana Airways, and promoted local culture and artistes at home, regional and international levels.
Burnham’s overall development thrust was geared towards the small man through institutions such as cooperatives societies, trade unions, agricultural and mortgage finance banks, turn-key housing development projects, opening up of the hinterlands, producing indigenous wares, cloth (cotton), among others.
Border security and defence were facilitated by various infrastructures such as the People’s Militia, National Service and Guard Service.
