Newark, NJ-The New Jersey Guyanese-American Cultural Foundation made history in the City of Newark, New Jersey after hoisting the Golden Arrow Head Flag for the first time under Mayor Cory A. Booker and City Council administration as hundreds of Guyanese came out to celebrate the 43rd Independence of the Republic of Guyana.

In Picture from left: Westford Ennis, Consul General Mr. Brentnold Evans,Molly Etwaroo,Margarita Muniz,Deputy Mayor City of Newark, Hon: Bayney Karran Guyana Ambassador, Carlos M. Gonzalez, Councillman At-Large and Pandit Suresh Sugrim.

Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood Engagement Margarita Muñiz, South Ward Council Member Oscar S. James II, North Ward Council Member Anibal Ramos, Jr. and other Newark and State dignitaries joined with Guyanese Ambassador Hon; Bayney R. Karran and Consul-General Brentnol Evans and members of the Guyanese-American community to celebrate Guyanese Independence Day at Newark’s City Hall.

The celebrations included the raising of the Guyanese flag over City Hall, and performances of Guyanese dancing and music that were perform Dheeraj Gayaram and the Ghoongoors Dancers and Mr. Cliff Joseph. Mr. Dheeraj Gayaram and the Ghoongoors Dancers are an internationally-recognized Indian classical dance team. This performance was their first in Newark.

“The Guyanese community has added to the diversity and strength of Newark for decades,” Mayor Cory A. Booker said in a statement. “It is truly appropriate to celebrate Guyanese arts, culture, and heritage and the nation’s 43rd anniversary of gaining independence in our City Hall.”

At the ceremony, event organisers Pandit Suresh Sugrim and Molly Etwaroo thanked Mayor Booker for hosting the flag-raising. “On this 43rd anniversary of independence, Guyanese-Americans should be in a position to rejoice over many achievements and to display to the world how united and contended we are; a people of six races committed to continue to work in harmony and in the interest of the development of our dear land of Guyana for the betterment of all,” they said.

“Newark has welcomed people from around the world, who have made their homes in our City, to join with us in building a diverse, prosperous, and exciting City,” said Deputy Mayor Muñiz. “The Guyanese are the latest to unite with us and add their strength to Brick City.”

“I am especially honored that the City of Newark has chosen to honor the 43rd Guyanese Independence Day with this flag raising ceremony at City Hall. Being of Guyanese descent, this event holds a very special meaning to me, and I take great pride in honoring everyone of Guyanese heritage in our City,” said Council Member James.

Guyana, the only English-speaking nation in South America, gained its independence from the United Kingdom on May 26, 1966. The first European to locate Guyana was Christopher Columbus in 1498. He was followed by England’s Sir Walter Raleigh in the 1500s, who was seeking the mythical city of “El Dorado .”

Guyana came under European rule in the 1600s and was divided into three parts by the Dutch, the French, and the British, who held the land as a Crown Colony. During that time, Britain imported laborers from Portugal, India , and China , adding to the colony’s diversity. Guyana is a major exporter of sugar, bauxite, and rice, chiefly to Britain and the United States. It is also home to the Kaieteur Falls, which is four times as high as Niagara Falls, an outstanding tourist attraction.

Caption: In Pictures from left: Walford Ennis, Consul General Mr. Brentnold Evans, Molly Etwaroo, Margarita Muniz, Deputy Mayor City of Newark, Hon: Bayney Karran Guyana Ambassador, Carlos M. Gonzalez, Councilman At-Large and Pandit Suresh Sugrim