REPUBLIC DAY MESSAGE OF HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BHARRAT JAGDEO TO
GUYANESE IN THE DIASPORA - February 17, 2003

It is my pleasure to extend Republic Day greetings to all Guyanese and their offspring presently residing in the Diaspora. No matter your state in life, Guyanese still have feelings of nostalgia and fondness about home. The celebration of national events is eagerly anticipated as much abroad as they are back home. I therefore expect that you the Guyanese in the Diaspora will be organizing your own special events to mark the anniversary of republic day, February 23. In so doing, you will be uniting with Guyanese at home where Mashramani activities are already in full swing.
This year we will be observing the thirty–third anniversary as a Republic. The theme for this year’s celebrations is “United Are We In Mash 2003.” This theme, you will agree, reflects the aspirations of all our people to live as a united nation. It is a goal that should be foremost and primary for all Guyanese. No matter our race, ethnicity, religious persuasion, political affiliation or class, we are all Guyanese.
Let us therefore put our country first and strive to foster healthy and harmonious relationships amongst our people. Mashramani should be an occasion for unity rather than division. May it cement the ties that bind all Guyanese together.
This anniversary comes at a time when our country is confronting a serious crime situation which I am sure is of great concern to you and to all Guyanese, at home and abroad. My Government has declared the current situation a national priority and will ensure that our country is returned to an acceptable level of safety and security for all our people. I urge you to guard against misinformation and rumours about the crime situation which do cause undue worry and unease. My Government, with support from the community media, will endeavour to keep Guyanese in the Diaspora informed.
Those of you, who live outside of the borders of our country, also belong to the Guyanese family. I therefore would like to encourage you to actively promote the unity of all the people of our country so that the dream of a united, prosperous and peaceful Guyana will be realized sooner rather than later.
On behalf of the Government, I extend best wishes to all Guyanese in the Diaspora on this Republic Day 2003.