MAY 26th, 2016 marks 50 years since Guyana gained political independence. At midnight May 25th, 1966, the Union Jack was lowered for one final time on these shores and the Golden Arrowhead was raised aloft and fluttered with grace above the newly-named Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

On this, the auspicious occasion of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana’s 50th anniversary of Independence, the Coalition Government salutes all the people of Guyana for their resilience, dedication to nationhood, ingenuity and unwavering tenacity in building a nation which has established itself with pride as a democratic and progressive state in the community of nations.

On this historic occasion the Government recognizes the steadfast and visionary efforts of our leaders, led by former presidents Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham, who fought and struggled for our political independence from the United Kingdom of Great Britain.

His Excellency Brigadier David Granger, President of Guyana recently observed that “independence imbued us with a feeling of pride, a sense of purpose and the ardour of patriotism.”

His Excellency further noted in his address to Parliament on May 12th that, “the first fifty years of our independence had to be devoted to mending the social fabric, promoting peace and repairing the economy. The first fifty years were about overcoming a hostile international economic environment. The next fifty years must be different. Let us use this special year to usher in an era of social peace, political collaboration and economic prosperity for this and all future generations.”

The Government entreats Guyanese to recommit to building a nation which realizes social and political stability and co-operation and ensures a better life for each citizen.

Moreover, the Government rededicates to all Guyanese to continue to work to elevate Guyana as a leader among the nations of the world, particularly in climate change and environmental protection, national unity and social cohesion, equality and justice, sports, music and the arts, responsible economic prosperity, environmentally conscious exploitation of natural resources, science and technology and innovation.
Guyana’s sail is set to take our majestic ship forward to broader horizons that would see us realise our goals of unity, social cohesion and economic prosperity.

The past 50 years must inspire us to greater heights and bolder achievement in the next 50 years as we march confidently onwards as a free, democratic and independent nation.