GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC- Guyana will celebrate 42 years of republicanism on Thursday with the main opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) indicating that national unity still eludes the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country with a population comprising many races.

In a statement to mark the occasion, the APNU, an amalgam of opposition parties including the main opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), said that the anniversary provides an opportunity “to review the progress we have made towards strengthening our economic independence, improving the quality of governance and intensifying our social cohesion”

It said it is also an opportunity to renew the vow as contained in the words of the national pledge to “be loyal to my country, to be obedient to the laws of Guyana, to love my fellow citizens and to dedicate my energies towards the happiness and prosperity of Guyana”.

But APNU said that while the population confidently refer to the country as a ”Co-operative Republic…, we live today, however, in a nation that is still faced with many challenges.

“National unity still eludes us; a broken education system throws thousands of dropouts onto the street without jobs; our national university is being strangled by insufficient funds; the high cost of living pushes increasing numbers of our people into poverty”.

It said annual floods devastate farms an there’s rampant banditry in the hinterland and “piracy on the coastland claim the lives of our miners and fishermen; workers are forced to strike to secure their rights; corruption in the government robs the national treasury”.

APNU said it was urging all Guyanese to resolve on “this Republic anniversary to restore our national pride.

“Let us return our nation to the path of progress and achieve “A Good Life for all Guyanese.”

Guyana’s future lies in our hands. We owe a duty to future generations to continue to build a country in which they will be treated equally and enjoy the benefits of a robust economy and a strong democracy.”

Meanwhile, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has sent a congratulatory message to his Guyananese counterpart as the two countries seek to strengthen bilateral relations.

Guyana became a Republic on February 23 1970, four years after gaining independence from Britain and according to a government statement will celebrate the anniversary with “the signature cultural festival Mashramani, showcasing a kaleidoscope of colours pervading the streets of the capital”.