May 5 marks the anniversary of the arrival of indentured servants to Guyana. The Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) would like to extend its best wishes to all Guyanese people on the historical events that occurred almost 200 years ago.

While the day itself commemorates the arrival of the largest ethnic group, the East Indians (1838), it also pays tribute to the Portuguese from Madeira (May 3, 1835) and Chinese (January 17, 1853). The adaption of the Indentured Servant system was a direct result of the labour shortage that affected British Guiana after the collapse of the slave system and the continued fight of former slaves against injustices that continued to prevail throughout the colony. While the new labour force was also a victim of an unjust imperialistic system, they also brought with them an enduring perseverance and pioneering spirit.
These characteristics contributed to the establishment of a progressive and prosperous society in Guyana. It has also left an indelible imprint through their descendants, of their diverse talents in the economic, political and cultural panorama of our country. Today this forms a significant part of the rich and diverse tapestry of our national unity.
Arrival Day salutes not only the geographical arrival of a diverse group of people, but also the advent of the winds of change for a new beginning, through their unique cultures, traditions, religions and values that they brought from their respective home countries. This has significantly supplemented Guyana’s diverse and unique multiculturalism, which distinguishes us as a people and a nation.
We are all proud of our ancestors who came from different shores and various continents and we should never forget the difficulties and hardships they endured. We should always take strength from their sacrifices and struggles, and earnestly contemplate  the contributions that have helped to make Guyana a better place, and forge our unique heritage which makes us all truly Guyanese, of One People, One Nation with One Destiny.
On the occasion of Arrival Day, the PYO would like to encourage all Guyanese to remember the sacrifices and toils of our fore-parents and reflect on their profound courage which has contributed to the intellectual, cultural and economic development of our nation.