FIFTY-THREE years ago, Guyana (then British Guiana) had started celebrations for its independence from British colonialism, four days in advance. This year, history has in some way repeated itself as the Ministry of Social Cohesion ushered in the celebrations with a night of poetry and songs at the Umana Yana, on Tuesday evening.

The enthusiasm and optimism of the poets and singers set the stage for an exciting night which reminded the audience of their culture, sovereignty and brought out their patriotism.
One poet reminded the audience that Guyana, and, by extension, its people, gained independence from British rule on May 26, 1966.

This, the poet said, is also a reminder that Guyanese must not be dependent on politicians since they all have the freedom to make a difference in their own way.
The message was re-emphasised by singers, speakers and other poets who captured the audience’s attention for the entire programme.

According to www.guyana.org, Guyana became an independent nation on Thursday, 26 May 1966, but the independence celebrations began four days before and continued until 29 May.

Public buildings and business places were brightly decorated with streamers and buntings bearing the colours of the Guyana flag.
On the evening of May 25, a grand cultural performance took place at the Queen Elizabeth Park (later to be renamed the National Park).

Dignitaries in the audience of thousands included the Duke and Duchess of Kent, representing Queen Elizabeth, and representatives of foreign governments.
Then at midnight, the Union Jack, the symbol of British colonial rule for 163 years, was lowered and the new flag of Guyana, the Golden Arrowhead, was raised to the top of the mast.

According to the website, just before the flag-raising ceremony, before a huge crowd, Prime Minister Forbes Burnham and Opposition Leader Cheddi Jagan publicly embraced each other, indicating their satisfaction that Guyana had finally won its political independence.
With the raising of the new flag, fireworks burst across the sky in various parts of the country. Then around mid-morning, the State opening of the Parliament of Guyana took place. It was preceded by a military parade accompanied by much pomp and pageantry.

Significantly, for this occasion, a portrait of Sir Walter Raleigh decorating the wall of the Parliament chamber was removed and replaced with a portrait of Prime Minister Burnham.
Burnham, in an appeal to Guyanese nationalism, declared: “The days ahead are going to be difficult. Tomorrow, no doubt, we as Guyanese will indulge in the usual political conflicts and differences in ideology. But today, to my mind, is above such petty matters. For today Guyana is free.”