Nikolai Sherstnev presented awards to the laureates of the "Man of the Year of Vitebsk Region-2017" award

The Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, Vladimir Andreichenko, the Chairman of the State Control Committee, Leonid Anfimov, the Chairman of the Board of the National Bank, Pavel Kallaur, the Aide to the President of the Republic of Belarus, Alexander Kosinets, the Aide to the President of the Republic of Belarus – Inspector for the Vitebsk Region, Alexander Subbotin, heads of ministries, representatives of the deputy corps, and honored guests from other regions of Belarus, Smolensk, Pskov, Saratov, and Bryansk regions came to congratulate the Pridvinye region on its anniversary.

In a solemn ceremony, Vladimir Andreichenko announced the Gratitude of the Head of State Alexander Lukashenko to the workers of Vitebsk region for their significant contribution to strengthening Belarusian statehood and on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the region's formation. And a significant gift for the anniversary was the allocation of one million rubles from the President's reserve fund to finance the reconstruction of the building of the regional clinical oncology dispensary in 2018.

– This award is a high assessment of the work of many generations of workers. 80 years is not just a round date, but a reminder that the Vitebsk region has a great history, rich spiritual and cultural traditions. Vitebsk region has something to be proud of in the industrial, agrarian sector, and social sphere, but the greatest asset is the wonderful people who work on this ancient land. People are hardworking, enterprising, talented, and hospitable, loving their region, – said Vladimir Pavlovich.

Vladimir Andreichenko also presented the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Nikolai Sherstnev, with the Certificate of Honor of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, which was awarded to the Vitebsk region.

– The history of the region is not only its most recent pages, written over eight decades, but also a rich panorama of past centuries. The 80th anniversary is

a milestone when one can see what the region lived through yesterday, and what needs to be done to make life better tomorrow," emphasized Nikolai Sherstnev in his speech.

The head of the region particularly thanked the former leaders of the region and presented Certificates of Honor and badges of the Executive Committee, the Regional Council of Deputies to Vladimir Kulakov, Vladimir Andreichenko, and Alexander Kosinets.

He also named those who, at one time, held responsible positions in state and party bodies and made a significant contribution to the development of the Dvina region – Vladimir Grigoryev, Alexander Atyasov, Petr Rubis, Vladimir Lobanok, Sergey Kabyak, Sergey Shabashov, Ivan Shibeiko, Alexander Aksenov, Evgeny Emelyanov.

It so happened that within the framework of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the region, the tenth ceremony of honoring the laureates of the "Person of the Year of Vitebsk Region" competition was held. This is also a round date. This year, the number of awardees has been reduced to 50 people (in previous years there were 100), and instead of 20 nominations, only five remain, covering all sectors of the national economy. The new format required a more thorough review of the candidates nominated by all districts of the region, and those who made it to the award lists are the most deserving.

For example, Sergey Semyonchev, director of the Novopolotsk biomechanical plant for domestic secondary resources, from Novopolotsk, who is implementing advanced technologies in production that allow for the production of useful products from waste. The oil city was the first to use underground containers for collecting solid household waste.

Among the awardees is Svetlana Rumyantseva, a teacher of the Belarusian language and literature at Borovukha Secondary School No. 15 in Novopolotsk, who won the republican competition "Teacher of the Year of Belarus" last year.

Aleksey Khamichyonok, commander of a unit of the fire and rescue unit No. 1 of the Lepel District Department for Emergency Situations, who distinguished himself in rescuing people in a road traffic accident, was also recognized. And here is athlete Irina

Krivko could not attend the award ceremony as she is part of the National Biathlon Team of Belarus and is currently in the Olympic capital – Pyeongchang, Korea. By the way, five representatives from the Vitebsk region will compete for our country at the Games.

Nikolai Sherstnev, preceding the award ceremony, noted that the residents of the Vitebsk region have always been worthy workers and defenders of the Fatherland, glorifying their land with peaceful and military deeds. Our land has nurtured 312 Heroes of the Soviet Union, Heroes of Socialist Labor, Heroes of Belarus, Heroes of the Russian Federation, and full Cavaliers of the Orders of Glory and Labor Glory.

Today, the region is a developed industrial and agrarian region. We produce one-third of the country's electricity, ensure one hundred percent of the republican volume of dolomite flour production, produce over 90% of linen fabrics, ethylene polymers, carpets and carpet products, and over 50% of footwear.

The Vitebsk region maintains foreign trade relations with 110 countries worldwide. More than half of the products manufactured in the region are shipped outside of Belarus. Products with the Vitebsk brand are supplied to 90 countries. Last year, exports increased by one and a half times.

Agricultural production volumes are also increasing, and large holdings are being created that determine the path to profitable operation of the agricultural sector and stable production of environmentally safe food. Last year, about 300 enterprises and production facilities were opened. 5.7 thousand people were employed in new jobs.

Nikolai Sherstnev emphasized that positive changes are occurring both in the real sector of the economy and in the social sphere. New healthcare, education, culture, and sports facilities are opened annually, equipped according to modern requirements. Special attention is paid to small towns and villages, creating favorable living conditions in them. The agro-town of Kopyś has become a benchmark for such transformations. It is planned to improve two settlements annually; this year, significant work will be carried out in Yezeryshcha of the Horadok district and Bolbasovo of the Orsha district.

In 2017, the region allocated 40 million rubles for the reconstruction, modernization, and construction of healthcare facilities. Half of the budget funds were spent on modern medical equipment. The modernization of almost all central district hospitals has been completed. A comprehensive system of health improvement measures has been created in the region. Sports and recreation complexes and swimming pools have been opened in many district centers.

– Professionals are the golden fund of the region. Our common goal is to consolidate the positive development trends of the region, to make it prosperous and happy, – emphasized Nikolai Sherstnev.

Traditionally, the honoring of people who have earned respect and recognition in society through their labor achievements, active civic position, and personal qualities takes place at the beginning of the year. This is a good sign for the start of another stage of the region's development, and the most worthy representatives of various professions inspire others to new achievements by their example.

The celebrations concluded with a festive concert by the best artistic groups of the region. Participants and guests could also taste the products of leading food industry enterprises, in particular, Verkhnedvinsk cheeses, Miory sausages, Vitebsk milk, Polotsk hot pancakes, and other delicacies.

Tatyana Pasternak, photo by Dmitry Osipov, "Vitebskiye Vesti".