$300M for 50th requires “frugal, prudent” spending – Minister Henry

Last Updated on Tuesday, 9 February 2016, 14:58 by Denis Chabrol

Junior Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Nicolette Henry.

Junior Education Minister Nicolette Henry has described the $300M allocated for the observance of Guyana’s 50th anniversary as “frugal and prudent” and limits the activities the Ministry can undertake.

Making her contributions to the 2016 Budget debates, Henry pointed out that Guyana has spent billions on other events such as Carifesta and cricket world cup.

She said the monies “require us to be extremely frugal and financially prudent given the magnifence and grandeur of this occasion and also not forgetting our country’s track record of spending billions of tax payers dollars on national and other events.”

Henry also pointed out that persons questioning what Guyana has to celebrate at 50 years of Independence should consider the youth and their potential.

“If we are to focus on what we have before us today the answer is easy; “we have our young people. Who we must inspire to have renewed confidence…” said Henry.

The Minister also revealed that as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations , the Government of Guyana has asked Hansib Publications to design, print and publish the Golden Jubilee “mar key” publication – Guyana at 50.

“This edition will depict Guyana, its people, and resources in all their glory. It will reflect on the 50th anniversary of our rich socioeconomic and political journey,” said Henry.

The 240 page book scheduled to launch on May 23 will feature several languages including Amerindian dialects and will be available in all of Guyana’s embassies and High Commissions.