 is we own is we own is we own webmaster wed 2282018 2213 over the past few weeks the nation has been in preparatory mode for the highlyanticipated 48th republic anniversary which was celebrated on february 23 as is customary many events were staged across the country in every region there were flagraising ceremonies costume parades for children and adults and a gamut of local talent shows the country was abuzz with activity and revelry in addition to these activities it is also a tradition for the museums and libraries to host lectures and exhibitions with the aim of evoking a sense of patriotism and understanding of the republic celebrations indeed it should be a time of reflection guyana attained republican status on february 23 1970 some 48 years ago prior to the attainment of republican status the country attained independence from great britain on may 26 1966 these are significant milestones in the life of this country more importantly it provided us as a nation with an opportunity to reflect on the path we have traversed over these years as well as the pains and tribulations we experienced in the past while the challenges are still formidable today citizens should be reminded not to lose sight of the patriotism and resilience that brought us this far as a nation our leaders should also be reminded that it is their responsibility to foster a society in which there is peace progress prosperity and a sense of patriotism we have witnessed the coming together of our people over the last few days with respect to the guyanavenezuela border controversy and when thousands gathered as the golden arrowhead was hoisted commemorating yet another milestone in guyana s history while the older generation of guyanese were undoubtedly reflecting on the journey and struggles that led to this point we should pause to consider what the younger folks were thinking of was there a feeling of deep patriotism or national loyalty were there reflections on the struggles of our foreparents more importantly did the pomp and ceremony ignite within them the deepseated sense of national pride over the coming years guyanese at home and abroad will be preparing for the oil and gas sector however in the midst of preparations and the grand plans the border controversy with venezuela has gained new life venezuela has staunchly been against oil exploration in guyana s stabroek block where multiple oil deposits were found by exxonmobil and has since laid claim to the essequibo region which represents two thirds of guyana s territory the united nations recently announced that it would be sending the border controversy between guyana and venezuela before the international court of justice icj for a judicial settlement venezuela however has strongly rejected the move in essence the country s sovereignty is under threat guyana s head of state however anticipates that guyana s successful defence of its territorial integrity will not only boost local development but investors confidence in guyana especially in light of the impending oil and gas production the period ahead therefore will require maturity on the part of the two countries and the eventual acceptance of the icj s decision through it all the citizens of guyana will also be called upon to hold firm to their patriotism and to be steadfast in their support for our sovereignty while there will undoubtedly be many instances in the future for the citizenry to band together guyanese from all walks gathered on sunday at the seawall bandstand for the is we own concert which was organised by the university of guyana and which featured renowned guyanese musician dave martins and his band it was indeed a rousing and proud moment to be in the midst of the crowd singing in unison to the lyrics of the song not a blade of grass it was a fitting culmination of this year s republic anniversary celebrations and reminder of the need for a revival of the patriotism that lies within all of us article adapted from  https guyanatimesgycom isweown2  48th republic anniversary dave martins 