Flags proposed for regions

-PPP urges RDCs to reject move

Each of the country’s ten administrative regions is now considering its own flag and emblem as part of an initiative by the Ministry of Communities to encourage the regions to develop their own identities.

The move, however, has already been met with criticism by the opposition People’s Progressive Party, (PPP), which has labelled it as absurd and urged the regions to reject the proposals. Minister Ronald Bulkan, however, told Stabroek News yesterday that the move is part and parcel of the new administration’s attempt to give the regions an identity. “This is part and parcel of the new strategic vision, which intends to see the regions begin to take more initiative in their governance,” he said.

Bulkan, expressing surprise at the PPP’s position, said, “I would’ve thought that the PPP would welcome a move to empower these local government bodies. At the leadership forum (held on July 31) Regional Chairpersons were given a copy of a proposed flag, emblem and brief explanation of what the region is about. Each chairperson was asked to solicit comment from their region and submit possible alterations,” he explained.

The Proposed Flag for Region 4. It is proposed that since Region 4 is the main economic centre of Guyana, the colours of the flag should include red for the zeal and dynamic nature of the people and black for their strength and endurance. The symbol is the iconic Stabroek Clock.
The Proposed Flag for Region 4. It is proposed that since Region 4 is the main economic centre of Guyana, the colours of the flag should include red for the zeal and dynamic nature of the people and black for their strength and endurance. The symbol is the iconic Stabroek Clock.

In a statement issued yesterday, the PPP said it cannot be argued that the decision will have any positive impact on the administrative efficiency of the regions or will in any way improve the lives of the citizens.

The PPP argued that the move constitutes derogation from the constitutionally-enshrined national flag. It also said it is “more significant that absolutely no effort was made to consult anyone on such an issue.”

“This flouting of our Constitution, disregard for our national flag and imposition of important decisions on our people must be strongly rejected. Significantly, this issue assumes even greater significance now when our territorial integrity is under threat from Venezuela. The claim by Venezuela encompasses at least six (6) of our Administrative Regions. It is imperative, therefore, that all Guyanese are consistent with the flying of our national flag in every region, thereby emphatically asserting our national sovereignty in those regions. Flying different flags will certainly create a different impression,” the statement says.

The PPP called upon the Ministry of Communities to rescind this decision immediately and on all Regional Democratic Councils to reject the “absurdity.”

There was no indication from Bulkan that adopting the new flags would prevent the regions from continuing to fly the national flag.