As Guyana prepares to celebrate its 59th Independence Anniversary, Head of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc), Halim Khan, has issued a resounding call for national unity and patriotism amid renewed threats to the country’s territorial integrity.

Khan is urging every citizen, business owner, and community leader to proudly fly the Guyana flag at their homes, schools, and places of business throughout this celebratory week as a powerful symbol of solidarity and sovereignty in the face of Venezuela’s unlawful claims to Essequibo.

“Let us make our independence visible,” Khan said. “Let every street, every village, every home fly the Golden Arrowhead proudly this week. Let the world see that Essequibo is not just Guyana’s in law—it’s Guyana’s in spirit, in our hearts, and in our homes.”

This rallying cry comes as Venezuela pushes ahead with its controversial and illegal plan to include Guyana’s Essequibo region in its May 25 regional elections, an act Khan described as a “clear violation of international law and an insult to Guyana’s sovereignty.”

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has already reaffirmed that Venezuela must refrain from altering the status quo in Essequibo, a territory administered by Guyana. President Dr. Irfaan Ali welcomed the ruling, stating, “Once again, Guyana’s position has prevailed.”

In addition to symbolic acts of unity such as flag-waving, Khan is encouraging citizens to participate in peaceful patriotic demonstrations on Independence Day by lining up along roadways and waving the Guyana flag with pride. “This is our land, and our people must make their presence known,” he said. “We must not sit quietly while another nation tries to claim what is rightfully ours.”

He also urged business owners and residents across the country to decorate their premises with the national flag and stand in defense of Guyana’s territorial integrity.

Khan called on Toshaos and village leaders to stay alert and serve as the “eyes and ears” of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), particularly in light of the “fictitious elections” Venezuela intends to hold for a supposed governor of Essequibo.

With independence celebrations underway, Khan underscored the deeper meaning behind the moment: “It’s important for us to understand what sovereignty means and to love and protect our country. We are a people destined for peace and prosperity—but only if we defend what’s ours.”

He reaffirmed that safeguarding sovereignty is fundamental to Guyana’s long-term development. “We have to protect what we have so we can achieve what we need,” Khan said. “That is what the President has been saying—sovereignty and territorial integrity are not optional; they are essential to our future.”

In a strong message to internal dissenters, Khan stated that any Guyanese supporting Venezuela’s territorial aggression should face legal consequences, including treason charges. “This is a matter of national survival,” he said firmly. “Those who betray the country from within must be held accountable.”

Khan also urged the Guyana Police Force to recommit to transparency and public trust, saying a united and trusted security apparatus is crucial in protecting the country’s interests.

He closed with a call to action for all Guyanese to remain vigilant, stand united, and fly the flag high. “Essequibo belongs to Guyana. That is non-negotiable. Let us come together this Independence Week and show that we are one people, one nation, with one destiny.”