GUYANA’S fight for independence was inextricably linked to its fight for democracy, in particular for free and fair elections, which was a process that was, unfortunately, not solidified until 1992.
The British Government hosted a conference in London regarding independence for British Guiana on November 2-7, 1965, and the British Government agreed to grant independence to British Guiana in May 1966. Guyana formally achieved its independence from Britain on May 26, 1966. However, more than 200 individuals were killed during the crisis, during the homestretch of that fight.
Pictured is part of a band at one of the carnival-style float parades held on May 29, 1966, when the hard fought battle was won.