IN A few months’ time, Guyanese at home and abroad will be celebrating a historic occasion — the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

Roving Guyana Chronicle reporter Svetlana Marshall, who was recently in the Big Apple — New York, USA — spoke with a few Guyanese there about the grand occasion. And the following is what they had to say.

U.S-based Guyanese Professor Dr Shamir Ally

“Today, I am a bit sad that many of the dreams that were dreamt have not yet been executed. But I have high hopes that things will change with a unified government, a coalition government; and rather than fighting each other, we will pool ourselves and use our resources to develop a great Guyana that can be the Singapore of the Americas.”

Guyanese entrepreneur Allita Moffatt

“Despite the many challenges we have had as a nation, I am proud to know that the country will mark its 50th Independence Anniversary as a united nation. So, looking ahead, I see a bright future for Guyana and all its people. For me, 2016 marks the beginning of a great adventure for the people of Guyana.

Financial Controller of Mount Vernon, Maureen Walker

“Guyana has a long way to go, but it will take all of us to put ourselves together to contribute to its development. When Guyana became Independent I was just 11, so it was a different perspective I had of Guyana at that point in time. We have kind of lost a lot of that along the way in terms of the cleanliness of Guyana, in terms of the health services provided, and in terms of general transportation and things like that. I think this is the time for all of us to recommit to the development of Guyana, so that the young generation can benefit from what we had.”

US-based Guyanese Elverine Cadogan-Smartt

“I migrated from Guyana 46 years ago, but I visit Guyana periodically. I am very impressed with the changes that have taken place in Guyana. I pray that we see more improvement in the coming years. I would like to see tourism become widespread in Guyana, so that we can build our economy.”

US-based Guyanese retiree Vincent Haynes

“I think (that), as Guyana moves to celebrate its 50th year as an Independent nation, its people should truly unite and put an end to this issue of racism; because racism will get us nowhere!”

Ex-Prison Officers Association of America Member Dale Edinboro

“I am excited and elated, because I was age 15 when Guyana gained its Independence. So I am looking forward to being in Guyana for the Golden Jubilee celebration. I think this is the start of a lot of hard work, hard work in the sense of what is required for the unification of the country.”

US-based Guyanese Nurse Claire Bristol

“I am so looking forward to Guyana’s 50th Independence, which should be a grand event. I am encouraging all Guyanese who have not visited Guyana in years to come and celebrate and see how much our country has developed.”