A message from the People’s Progressive Party on the occasion of Guyana’s 53rd Independence Anniversary
Our attainment of Independence resulted from sustained struggles during which selfless sacrifices were made. It was a moment of tremendous joy for all Guyanese.
On May 26th, 1966 our national flag, the Golden Arrowhead, was hoisted for the first time, heralding the birth of our beautiful nation. It brought freedom from the shackles of colonialism whilst an independent Guyana through self-governance emerged with hope and expectations abundant in its people.
During the fifty-three years since our country faced many challenges and experienced a period of unprecedented progress and prosperity. Throughout that time, our resilient and patriotic Guyanese people remained resolute towards the building of a better nation through hard work and dedication for the advancement of their fellow men and women. Those selfless efforts continue with every passing day despite prevailing adversities.
The People’ s Progressive Party (PPP), in taking this opportunity to extend warmest greetings to all Guyanese both at home and in the Diaspora, on the occasion of our nation’s 53rd Independence Anniversary, would like to recognize and commend those invaluable efforts.
In observing another milestone in our independence, our Party urges reflection on the valiant efforts of those who made untold sacrifices during the struggles for self-rule. Those sacrifices must continue to be valued and remain a source to imbue us all with pride and patriotism.
We must also remain cognizant of our nation’s vast potential which, through prudent management, can create the brighter future we all desire. Let’s us continue to remain hopeful so that our challenges can be overcome.
Happy Independence to all Guyanese!
PNCR Independence message 2019
As we celebrate the 53rd Anniversary of Guyana’s Independence, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) salutes all Guyanese, both here at home and our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, on our achievement of yet another year as a politically independent people and country.
The political developments of the past four years have opened new avenues for the forging of a new democratic culture so necessary for the achievement of real independence and social progress in our country.
Our Party is confident that if as a nation we can build a truly, inclusive political culture in which all stakeholders are allowed to play a meaningful role and which can create an enabling environment for the orderly development of the nation, we can look forward to a future that is politically successful, economically self-sustaining and culturally rewarding.
As we celebrate this 53rd anniversary of Independence, the PNCR pledge to work with all responsible and reliable forces whose aim is to forge social cohesion and national unity. We believe that working together we can ameliorate the many known problems which have bedevilled our country and stymied our development.
The PNCR is proud of our record in government and the important role that our Party and our Founder Leader, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham played in our country’s struggle for independence.
Happy 53rd Independence, Guyana!
United States message on Guyana’s Independence Day
On behalf of the Government of the United States, congratulations to the people of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana on your 53rd anniversary of independence on May 26.
The United States and Guyana have been friends and partners for decades, and we commend and encourage Guyana’s continued leadership on matters of regional concern. The American Chamber of Commerce-Guyana continues to create trade partnerships and opportunities, resulting in greater prosperity for both our countries. As Guyana looks toward production of its oil resources, the United States stands ready to assist to ensure all Guyanese will benefit. The United States looks forward to a future of strong ties and collaboration based on our shared democratic values.
The United States joins you in celebrating Guyana’s diversity, freedom, and natural beauty. On behalf of the citizens of the United States, I wish the citizens of Guyana a prosperous year and a happy Independence Day celebration.
CARICOM Independence Day message
CARICOM has praised Guyana’s significant contribution to the fight against climate change as the country marks its Fifty-Third Anniversary of Independence on 26 May.
CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, in a congratulatory message to Guyana’s President His Excellency David Granger noted that:
“Guyana’s seminal contribution to the furtherance of the global battle against climate change through the preservations of its forests has gained widespread acclaim and is just one of the many areas in which the country has earned international renown.”
The Secretary-General also pointed to Guyana being an integral part of the regional integration movement from its inception, symbolized by its hosting of the Headquarters of the Caribbean Community.
“We welcome Guyana’s continued positive contributions to the Community which pledges its support to the country’s efforts to move forward in its own quest for self-advancement,” Ambassador LaRocque said.
Guyana is observing this year’s anniversary under the theme “A united Guyanese are we at 53”.
The theme celebrates the essence of nationhood, as such unity could only propel the citizens to unlocking further the vast potential of their country, the Secretary-General noted.
Ethnic Relations Commission message on Independence Day
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) takes this opportunity to extend greetings to all Guyanese on the occasion of Guyana’s 53rd Independence anniversary. The attainment of our Independence entailed a prolonged period of sustained struggles by many patriotic sons and daughters of this dear land. Their selfless efforts were focused on the betterment for all of their compatriots; for the realization of a nation free from the bonds of colonialism and one that will always remain the cherished home of its diverse people.
Their success remains that beacon of inspiration epitomizing what can be achieved when we work together in the best interest of Guyana and Guyanese. This must become an accessible source of motivation for us to renew our commitment to work assiduously for the realization of the goal enshrined in our national motto of One People, One Nation, One Destiny.
Every anniversary of our nation’s Independence brings that pertinent reminder of the freedom that was birthed out of patriotic struggle sustained by the underlying bonds of brotherhood. It is those bonds that we all must endeavour to build upon and strengthen so as to expunge the seeds of division from our society. While our history will reflect the challenges in this regard, it must also serve as an impetus to fortify us with tolerance, to fully understand and appreciate our invaluable diversity and what it means to us as a nation. This enhances our capacity to shed prejudices thereby creating an environment in which harmony can prevail. History also provides a framework to help build a better society.
Activities for the observance of the 53rd Independence anniversary will no doubt continue to see the participation of Guyanese from all backgrounds as pride and patriotism take centre stage. Let us all together commit to build upon this with the objective of attaining a more harmonious society which we all desire. Let us also use this opportunity to renew our sense of value for the efforts of those who toiled for an independent Guyana. Let’s not forget that those efforts were in the interest of all despite from where our ancestors originated.
Once again Happy Independence to all Guyanese!
IAC Independence Message 2019
The Indian Action Committee (IAC) wishes to convey greetings to all Guyanese citizens, on the occasion of the Independence of Guyana from British colonial rule on 26th May 1966, fifty-three years ago.
The IAC calls upon all Guyanese citizens to remember and recognize all those persons who contributed to the ending of British colonial rule in Guyana including former Presidents Cheddi Jagan, Forbes Burnham and Janet Jagan, and stalwarts of the struggle for national liberation like Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, Jocelyn Hubbard, Joseph Pollydore, Ramkarran, Ashton Chase SC, Jainarine Singh, E.M.G. Wilson, Cedric Vernon Nunes, Martin Carter, Rory Westmaas, Eusi Kwayana, Brindley Benn, Moses Bhagwan and Reepu Daman Persaud.
The IAC, in recognition of the challenging history of Guyana during the past fifty-three years dominated by authoritarian rule (1968-1992) and, especially the period from 1962 to 1964 when there was a state of undeclared civil war which resulted in:
- Over 200 persons losing their lives
- Over 900 persons suffering physical injuries
- About 2700 terrorized families being displaced from their homes as villages were engulfed in orgies of ethnic cleansing
- Over 1700 cases of arson in which over 300 business places and houses were completely destroyed by fire during wanton acts of terror
- Losses of over US$ 20 million in the local economy, as opposed to an investment of US$2.2 million, used to destabilize pre- Independence British Guiana according to U.S. declassified documents.
- The destruction of the Indo-Guyanese community at the adjoining villages of Wismar and Christianburg, where all 87 business premises and 215 homes owned and occupied by Indo-Guyanese were deliberately destroyed by fire between 24th and 25th May 1964 followed by the evacuation of almost 3400 Indo- Guyanese persons under the protection of British military forces on 26th May 1964, exactly two years before Independence.
The IAC is of the view that the national economy is in rapid and serious decline including the rice industry which is suffering greatly from the paddy bug infestation and is calling upon all of the Parliamentarians to work together to reverse this dangerous trend.
The IAC is cognizant of the upsurge in crime within the past four years and while recognizing that in Berbice there is a high amount of criminal activity perpetrated by persons of Indo-Guyanese origin against other persons of Indo-Guyanese origin; elsewhere there have been many brutal robberies on Indo- Guyanese and Chinese business persons who have been deprived of hundreds of millions of dollars in cash, jewellery, electronic devices and vehicles by criminals.
The IAC also recognizes criminal activity impacting other ethnicities including rapidly increasing attacks on Chinese business places.
While the IAC reiterates its call for inclusion of Guyanese, in the drive towards economic development and prosperity, the organization is extremely concerned about the constant political warfare that is destabilizing the country which is on the verge of a new and exciting national oil industry.
The IAC joins its voice with those of the political parties, religious bodies, trade unions and other civil society groups in a nationwide call for peace and unity.
Let us all resolve to realize the dream of our fore parents and Independence heroes and heroines to make our 53rd Anniversary a true national event. The IAC wishes all Guyanese citizens a Happy Independence Day.
GAWU
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is, once again, happy to join in extending best wishes to all Guyanese as our nation celebrates its 53rd year of Independence. The independence achievement, now more than a half a century ago, is a moment that all Guyanese take immense pride in. History recorded that the struggle to achieve nationhood was long and, at times, daunting but the strong will and perseverance of our people triumphed as the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted for the first time at the midnight hour of May 26th, 1966.
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 while, at the regional and international level our country has earned recognition and respect in spite of certain deficits experienced in governance. Our democratic culture which resurfaced over twenty (20) years ago, still, today again faces new challenges. Notwithstanding, the trials and setbacks the nation experienced and, most likely will face, we cannot deny the very many significant achievements as we steadily 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, current 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 53rd Independence Anniversary finds us as a nation poised with further declining economic fortunes with the sugar industry being an example of this reality. While this has certainly cast a pall over the nation, we must, nevertheless, life high the banner of freedom and celebrate our Independence.
Happy Independence Anniversary to all Guyanese!
Mayor of Georgetown
As Guyana celebrates 53 years of independence, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council join the Guyanese people at home and diaspora to celebrate this historic anniversary.
Independence of our Country speaks to certain significant developments in our history, it is symbolic of a united struggle against colonial rule, it is emblematic of struggles sacrifices and hard work in a pluralistic society like ours, it mirrors the bridging of the social, political and ethical divides.
Independence confers on us, as a people certain rights, responsibilities and privileges. It is important that we preserve our freedom and built on the legacy bequeathed to us by our forefathers.
As we celebrate, the Georgetown Municipality is committed to working with all stakeholders to move the city forward through collaboration and co-operation. We are cognizant that, for the City to fulfil its true potential and realize its destiny, it is imperative that we embrace the cardinal principles demonstrated and embraced by our forefathers.
History is replete with examples of how unity and co-operation were able to change the political, economic and social landscape. We are convinced that working in the spirit of unity, we would be able to overcome and ameliorate the many challenges we face as A City that seeks to hinder progress and stymie growth and development.
Hence, our focus this year at the Georgetown Municipality is to encourage unity in all its facets and to forge cooperation politically, socially, and economically amongst and without citizens.
Through the rebirth of local democracy, every citizen in Georgetown has a role to play in the development of our City and this Country. This is why we encourage community participation in all of our work programme and projects. The
I urge us all, as we celebrate this momentous occasion, to contemplate on ways that could advance every community, the city, and this great nation.
Therefore, the call is for hard work, co-operation, dedication and respect for each other.
We must salute the immense sacrifices of our former leaders’ and stalwarts of the struggle; Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham and Cheddi Jagan. Indeed, the collective courage and tenacity they displayed during as the nation struggled for Independence are not only admirable but worthy of emulation. They have built that bridge which connects us and the generations to come to; hope, prosperity, and change.
Let us build bridges that will foster cohesiveness, development,communication, and unity.
As Mayor, I wish all Guyanese Happy Independence. May the great God of the universe bless Guyana.
