Georgetown, Guyana – (September 14, 2017) President David Granger, today, called on the residents of Rose Hall Town to uphold the principles upon which the town was formed and build upon the legacy of their fore-parents, even as they celebrate 175 years of township status. “When we celebrate 175 years of Rose Hall, we are celebrating the vision of people who never went to school, never went to university, couldn’t read and write, but they established these villages on four pillars, the school, the church, the farm and the home,” he said. The event, which was held at the Area H Ground, was organised by the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC).
President Granger warned residents that if they do not make a conscious effort to uphold those four pillars, the town and all the gains it has made over the years will collapse. “Rose Hall is about the future, it is about what Guyana can do, not just what we did a century ago but what these children will be able to do two or three decades from now,” he said.
The Head of State pointed out that Rose Hall has now evolved into a significant education centre with a number of nursery, primary and secondary schools. He said that this is because people recognise that economic progress is not possible without education. He called on citizens to take responsibility for ensuring that those institutions of learning are maintained and that every school-age child attends school.
In terms of business and commerce, the President called on all stakeholders to work together to make Rose Hall the commercial hub of the East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six). “Now that we have a consolidation of the sugar industry, let us look to see ways and means of creating new industries…the door is open to micro-financing and agro-processing,” he said.
Speaking about environmental protection, the Head of State explained that as the country transitions into a ‘green state’, residents, especially the business community, must commit to eliminating their dependency on fossil fuels and adapt clean, renewable sources of energy.
Speaking of the three-tiered approach to governance, President Granger called on the Municipality and the Regional Democratic Council to work hand-in-hand with Central Government to sort out the differences that may arise from time to time so that the development is not stalled as a result.
Regional Chairman of Region Six, Mr. David Armogan said that the Regional Office has and continues to work closely with Rose Hall Town. He said that while it is the smallest of the three towns in the region, it attracts businessmen and women from all across the country. “Besides the commercial activities that take place, there is also much improvement in the infrastructure of this town. If you look around, your schools are in a better condition; your roads are in a better condition; your drainage is in a better system…We have come a far way and we still have a far way to [go],” he said.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer and Club Secretary of the RHTYSC, Mr. Hilbert Foster urged his fellow residents to learn to say no to the things that seek to divide them and yes to the things that seek to drive development and nurture unity.
The celebration of this milestone commenced on August 19 and will conclude on September 20. Some of the activities that were held during the month were multi-faith services, a cross-country race, fitness walk, dancing competition, health fairs, domino competition and cricket and football matches.
At today’s event, the RHTYSC honoured four women who are considered pioneers in the town. They are Ms. Gainwattie Budhoo, Ms. Bibi Mohammed, Ms. Esther Frazer and Ms. Bernadine Meyers.
The village of Rose Hall was purchased during the village movement in 1839 by 57 freed Africans shortly after the abolition of slavery. It was officially declared a town on September 20, 1970 by late President Forbes Burnham. Today, the town is home to about 15,000 people.
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