–Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett says

AS Guyana celebrated its 58th Independence anniversary, a pivotal moment in the country’s history, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett has said that although it is a small nation, it could teach big lessons about unity and diversity.

The Consulate of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana on Sunday joined the congregation of Saint Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, New York in observance of Guyana’s 58th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
In attendance, too, was Ambassador Michael E. Brotherson, Consul-General of Guyana in New York.

As they celebrated the great attainment for the nation, she called for a Resolution to zealously guard religious harmony, which brings the nation together as a people.
“Promote it, share it and strengthen it wherever we may go,” she firmly stated.

While noting that Guyana started its two-year tenure on the UN Security Council last January, she said: “I sit as Guyana’s representative on the Council. Almost every day we receive reports where religious, ethnic and other divisions are fueling conflict, from Sudan, Yemen, Syria, Palestine to Ukraine and many other places – where Mankind is inflicting some of the worst atrocities on each other. I am constantly reminded of my Guyana, where, even with our challenges, we are a small nation that can teach the world about unity in diversity.”

Further, the ambassador reflected on the struggles and the accomplishments of the country that is deemed the “Land of Many Waters” and its current rapid transformation.
“It is the first time since our Independence that we are able to implement some of the plans and programmes that we have long desired.

We are using the revenues from oil and other sectors to improve education, improve healthcare, increase old-age pensions, provide affordable housing, improve our infrastructure, expand agriculture and tourism, among other areas,” the Ambassador said.
She also reflected on how President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s “One Guyana” vision has positively impacted the lives of Guyanese.

Additionally, the ambassador said that Guyana understands that the developments in the neighbourhood and across the world can impact the country’s development.
“This is why we use our voice in international fora to call for respect for international law, and the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, knowing, too, that we face a claim to our territory from one of our neighbours,” she said, adding:
“We use our voice to advocate for Haiti, a sister CARICOM country facing great challenges, and for those suffering as a result of conflict and war. We call for action on climate change, while doing our part.”

Ambassador Brotherson also reflected on Guyana being one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and the nation being a leader in many areas.
“On this the 58th Independence Anniversary, all Guyanese can reflect with a great measure of satisfaction on the path our nation has travelled, and be proud of where we are as a nation today.

We as a people cannot forget the struggles Guyana endured to become an independent nation. The road to freedom and self-determination was indeed a perilous one; a road in which we were born of the sacrifice of our ancestors who fought tirelessly. Despite the struggles, we can now call our nation “Guyana the free”, and our collective presence here today is a true testament to our pride for, and commitment to, our nationhood,” he said.

The ambassador later commended the Government of Guyana for its continuous efforts at building stronger institutions, providing infrastructure to support businesses, ensuring the well-being of citizens, maintaining financial accountability and sustainability, and sustaining political integrity.