–Ambassador Brotherson urges Guyanese at home and abroad
See below full speech of Consul General, Michael Brotherson, at the flag-raising ceremony in New York in honour of Guyana’s 58th Independence Anniversary:
Hon. Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City
Hon. New York State Assemblywoman, Jennifer Rajkumar
My Colleague Consuls General and other Colleagues and members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, including Ambassador Trishala Persaud, Deputy Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, and Mr Fazal Yussuff, Adviser on Diaspora Affairs
Commissioners and other senior officials of the Great City of New York
First Deputy Commissioner NYPD, Tania Kinsella
Esteemed members of the Religious Community
Distinguished and most valued members of the Guyanese Diaspora
Ladies and gentlemen all.
It gives me immense pleasure today to convey greetings from His Excellency President Mohamed Irfaan Ali to all gathered here for this most important Flag-raising Ceremony, in observance of Guyana’s 58th Independence Anniversary. The entire Government and people of Guyana join His Excellency the President in saluting Guyanese everywhere as we celebrate the birth of our nation fifty eight years ago.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Mayor Eric Adams and his excellent team for once again displaying their magnanimity by being integrally involved in, and for their support of, this anniversary celebration. Indeed, the Guyanese Diaspora in New York, and the wider United States of America, have earned the accolades given to them for the myriad contributions they have made, and continue to make, to their respective communities, and the society as a whole.
More specifically, the recognition of the contributions of Guyanese to the development of NYC takes on even greater significance when we consider the fact that New York City is home to over 8 million people of many origins and backgrounds. Yet Guyanese have been able to excel and become leaders and trailblazers and cement their place in the very essence of national life in their adopted homeland.
The excellent bilateral relations that exist between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the United States of America, and our two nations’ shared values and extant collaborations, are not only ample testimony of the recognition of Guyana as a credible partner, but also a responsible and respected member of the international community. Our place among the community of nations should make us all proud as we celebrate this Anniversary of our Independence.
It is therefore apposite to note that in just a mere 58 years, Guyana is on a palpable trajectory of unprecedented economic growth. The concomitant infrastructural and social developments are also on a similar course and can only result in the overall improvement of the lives of all Guyanese. These achievements are embedded in the stated and pursued national development objectives of President Ali and the Government of Guyana.
So today as we gather at this most historic Bowling Green Park, I believe that all Guyanese, both at home and in the Diaspora, can take this opportunity to recommit to the ideal of a unified and prosperous Guyana. The symbolism associated with this location should resonate and energise us towards ensuring that Guyana continues to grow, unhindered, and any attempt, from whatever source, to stymie our nation’s growth, development and unity, must be eschewed with vigour.
Once again thank you Mayor Adams and team. Thanks New York City. Happy 58th Independence Anniversary all.
