Guyana will celebrate its Republic Golden Jubilee comes February 23, 2020. In anticipation of this grand occasion, government has allocated $350 million to allow for sufficient preparation for this milestone.
This is according to Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, who revealed that this allocation will largely entail the rehabilitation and upgrading of venues for the hosting of national and regional events, along with the construction of commemorative landmarks across the country.
Additionally, approximately $1.1 billion has been allocated, in 2019, to continue to maintain the operations of and rehabilitation of national cultural institutions and facilities. “This House will be pleased to note that the Indian Immigration Monument at Palmyra, Region Six, will soon be completed and commissioned. A new monument commemorating the Linden Martyrs will be erected in Region 10,” said Jordan as he presented the 2019 national budget to the National Assembly Monday.
He disclosed too that to afford some level of protection to artistes and creative industry, and safeguard their livelihoods, government will take steps to finalise the draft intellectual property rights legislation for Guyana.
“For too long, we have regarded development as being synonymous solely with economic growth. However, this Government recognises that growth and development are inseparable from culture. Strengthening the contribution of culture to sustainable development is central to the programmes of this Government,” said the Finance Minister. He, moreover, added, “We have to build knowledge and understanding of our cultural and historical assets, and recognise the intrinsic and extrinsic value that our cultural heritage has in creating jobs and income, and showcasing Guyana.
