THE 50-year milestone is a big deal, especially for young people who feel like they are miles away from it. For some, ‘getting old’ is an idea that induces much dread, while for others, just getting there is a blessing.
For all Guyanese, though, their country’s 50th Indepence Anniversary is quite an achievement, whether or not they were alive in 1966 to witness the first.
Among the youth, it is safe to say that appreciation is a feeling unanimously experienced at this time.
We’ve all heard stories of ‘back then’; of what Guyana used to be: The struggles; the segregation; the hard times; the good times. We’ve heard our parents and grandparents reminisce on the fledgling years of Guyana’s independence (and even before), which gives us a clear story with a bumpy plot as to how we got to this relatively positive place.
Young people experiencing this event, and the renewed sense of nationalism that comes with it; seeing the changes brought about by the new administration at this crucial time, now have something to tell their own children in years to come.
Here’s what some young people had to say about the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

“After being absent from Guyana for five years and coming home to celebrate Guyana’s 50th, I’m very impressed to see all the festivities, and how beautiful and clean Guyana looks.
“There’s so much to do, and activities to choose from, that there is never a dull moment. Guyanese, young and old, are very patriotic, and everywhere I turn, I can see the beautiful Golden Arrowhead, or it’s colours, reminding me that I’m home. It’s a great joy, as a young man, to celebrate Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary with my fellow Guyanese.
“We are very a proud people, and the youth are very excited about our beautiful country.”
— Gaddiel Henry

“Hearing the stories of where we came from to where we are now, and where we want to be, is a phenomenal and historic movement that all races should be proud of: For the strength, courage and hard work that our founding fathers have fought for, and the achievement that they made for us.
“It is an honour to be living in Guyana, which has so much potential. So, the 50th Independence was not just a movement of joy, but a movement of hard work, bravely done by our foreparents who serve as our backbone, and who made sacrifices for our Independence.
“It is an overwhelming pleasure and feeling of contentment for me to witness with the rest of Guyanese the 50th Anniversary celebrations.
“We fought, and we stood as One People, One Nation, and One Destiny, and here we stand and rise to this day. And we all should proud of being an Independent country.”
–Shawn Marshall
“It’s not that we don’t appreciate all the years prior to this Independence; it’s just that reaching this milestone makes us stop and reflect on where we’ve come from to where we are today.
“You cannot move bravely towards your future unless you acknowledge your past. And Guyana’s history, over the past 50 years, is one which is marred with many struggles.
“But, like all diamonds, it has endured its immense pressures, and has emerged a beautiful finished piece of work.
“Of course, we are not where we want to be, but as we sit and reflect on this 50th Anniversary and see where we are now, and where we were back then, it gives us hope that we are that much closer to being where we want to be.
“Guyana is a country of great potential; what we have to offer is priceless, and I can’t wait for the world to recognise it, the way we as Guyanese recognise it.”
–Shevon Henry
“As an aspiring fashion designer in Guyana, I feel truly blessed and overwhelmed to be Guyanese, especially at this time; being able to learn about our unique history, and the hardships that our foreparents went through, so that the future generations can live in peace, love and harmony.
“Walking the streets of Georgetown and seeing so many happy people brings a warm feeling to the heart.
“This year’s Independence matters to all of us; it is an achievement; we are definitely growing as a nation.
“The celebrations are epic right now; people are excited to go out and have a great time and meet new people. Our 50th Independence Anniversary is one to never forget.”
–Quinton Pearson
“In 50 years, I hope I’ll be able to witness the 100th Independence Anniversary of Guyana. I can only hope that as much effort is put into those celebrations as they were this time around.
“It was great witnessing these activities, and I am proud, as a young person, to be part of this.
“Guyana has experienced many struggles; and our people have had many difficulties they’ve had to face over the years. It is time we have something to smile about. Moreover, it’s time we move forward at a pace that will bring us on par with the rest of the world.
“I’ve attended many of the activities, and every one of them, you could see just how happy people were. I do think that better publicising of the activities could have been done, because they were not as well attended I’d expected them to be. But I enjoyed them, nonetheless.”
–Sarafina Edghill
“Being able to celebrate our country’s 50th Anniversary as an independent nation is certainly a time to be remembered.
“Among the number of activities scheduled, however, I felt that more emphasis should have been placed on more symposiums and other events of an educational nature, instead of just big limes and concerts.
“Our young people need to learn more about the struggle for independence, and what some of the expectations of a young nation in 1966 were.
“This would also help them to really examine how far we have come in achieving those goals, and what more needs to be done in terms of nation building and Guyana’s forward thrust.”
–Damion Fiedtkou