PPP INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY STATEMENT
The independence anniversary of any nation is a time for both celebrations and reflections. As we celebrate this 51st Independence Anniversary, we must celebrate and salute the sacrifices and struggles of our leaders and fore-bearers, who toiled indomitably to win, firstly, internal self-government and ultimately, political independence, from our colonial masters after centuries of brutal slavery, servitude and exploitation by foreign forces.
The PPP is proud of the leading role it played in this struggle.
It is also a time for us to reflect upon the type of society and country that those who fought so relentlessly to liberate us from colonial rule, wanted to build and fashion for our future generations; and, to engage in a national introspection in order to examine, whether as a people and nation, we have achieved those objective and realized those dreams.
It is only by engaging in such self-examination, can we be able to measure our progress, recognise our strengths, identify our weaknesses and appreciate our challenges – all of which are so necessary for our future advancement as a people.
The PPP has done this self-examination and wishes to acknowledge that although we have implemented transformative changes in Guyana during our tenure in office we have to persevere, even more, to bring greater ethnic, religious and class unity among our people; we have to toil even harder, to bring greater economic and social prosperity to this land and we have to dedicate even more energies, to improve our system of government, strengthen our democratic institutions and enhance the rights and freedoms of our people, if we are to realize the aspirations and goals of our independence architects.
The PPP takes this opportunity once again to recommit ourselves to those independence ideals and pledge to continue to work selflessly with our people as they traverse along that path to achieve them.
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Congratulatory Message from the Secretary-General of CARICOM, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque on the occasion of the Fifty-First Anniversary of Independence of Guyana on 26 May 2017.
On behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) I extend warm congratulations to the Government and People of Guyana on the occasion of the 51st Anniversary of the country’s Independence.
Guyana has a proud tradition of being a leader in regional integration and has provided leadership to the Community in the area of Agriculture in its role as the country responsible for that sector in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet.
The progress made by Guyana over the last five decades is indicative of the determination and resilience of its citizens. This allied with the country’s natural resources, fertile agricultural lands, and thrust to a green economy bodes well for the nation’s future. This is underscored by the theme for this year’s celebration – Unity in Diversity in a Green Economy.
Guyana has a proud tradition of being a leader in regional integration and has provided leadership to the Community in the area of Agriculture in its role as the country responsible for that sector in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet.
The Caribbean Community joins with the Government and People of Guyana in their celebration of this milestone and looks forward to continuing the journey together towards further progress of the country and the Region.”
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Statement by Secretary TILLERSON on Guyana’s Independence Day
On behalf of the United States of America, congratulations to the people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on their 51st anniversary of independence.
The United States and Guyana are committed to working together to create a more secure and prosperous future. Guyana’s leadership role in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is a testament to its vision to building a brighter future, not only for the citizens of Guyana, but for all people in the broader Caribbean region.
The United States remains a steadfast partner as we strive to achieve mutually beneficial goals and objectives. We wish all Guyanese people a happy Independence Day celebration.
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Guyana Trades Union Congress
Let’s collectively work to build Guyana
The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) joins with all Guyanese, home and abroad, in observing the nation’s 51st birth anniversary. As this event is being marked, in whatever form, it is important not to lose sight of the fact that freedom was not achieved without pains and sacrifices.
From the earliest struggle against slavery, indentureship and colonization the people have displayed the propensity for intolerance against systems of domination. This inherent strain must not only be zealously proclaimed but equally demonstrated in the face of any threat to deny us our freedom.
Acts by foreign forces to undermine our sovereignty and territorial integrity through contempt for the Laws of Guyana and the coveting of our lands must be strenuously resisted. These acts represent other forms of whittling away at our freedom and depriving us the reward of a well fought battle. Internally, our forebears’ quest to forge a nation’s mighty soul and construct its frame, respecting of our diverse strains must not only be celebrated in remembrance but also in enactment.
No Guyanese, irrespective of diversity, must ever be made to feel not a part of this society. The social, economic, cultural and political rights and freedoms our ancestors fought for are meant to be for the beneficiary of all.
GTUC reminds all that freedom is not free. Freedom requires eternal vigilance and sacrifice not only to protect and defend the gains/achievements, but also to deepen, strengthen, and where possible, expand.
As a proud contributor to this nation’s fight for self-determination, GTUC calls on all Guyanese to preserve and persevere. Guyana belongs to all her sons and daughters and remains ours to guard and build. There must be no relenting of our duty in executing this noble task and calling.
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GAWU’s Independence Day Message 2017
As Guyana celebrates fifty-one (51) years as an independent state, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is pleased to join with all Guyanese to celebrate this landmark anniversary in our history.
We need to recall, at this time, that there was near absolute consensus amongst our then leaders that we needed to shed the Constitutional and other chains with which we were then wrapped. Independence brought us and we joyfully welcomed our new status as citizens of Guyana, no longer colonial subjects tied to a “mother” country. It also brought heavy responsibilities to safeguard and deepen our newly won freedom and to ensure a prosperous future. The onus was now ours to chart our own course and it was recognized it needed to be strengthened by economic independence and social justice. Those objectives had to be our guide as a people. They had to be attained and sustained.
GAWU feels certain that the attainment of Independence, which we fought for, motivated the social and economic progress of our country and was a decisive turning point for our all-round development. There are successes in several fields nationally and at the international level our country has earned recognition and respect. Our democratic culture which resurfaced over twenty (20) years ago, still, today faces new challenges and threats. Notwithstanding, the trials and setbacks the nation experienced and, most likely will face, we cannot deny the very many significant achievements as we overcame the negative legacy of colonialism.
The GAWU is aware that several key objectives are yet to be reached. One of these is our economic sovereignty which we see as crucial to safeguard our political independence especially in the context and circumstances that we see unfolding in today’s world.
The prospects for our country to grow and develop despite setbacks remain encouraging and we need to tackle the various tasks before us in a collective and united spirit. In this respect, our people, especially our working people needs to be encouraged and become involved in the decision-making levels of our society.
As we celebrate this historic anniversary, GAWU urges that we all recognize that we have a responsibility to let our democratic culture prevail. It is one of the strong strands that binds our nation and makes it united and free. Additionally, we share the belief that our independence will be secured and strengthened over time when every citizen is given to enjoy the fruits, benefits and opportunities of our collective efforts and work.
It is unfortunate to observe that our 51st Independence Anniversary finds us as a nation poised with further declining economic fortunes as the stage is being set to cut down the monumental sugar industry.
Happy Independence Anniversary to all Guyanese!
