FORT Island is set to host Guyana’s 60th Independence flag-raising ceremony, with residents already mobilising to welcome President Dr. Irfaan Ali and an estimated 5,000 visitors later this month.
The Department of Public Information (DPI) recently spoke with Zalifa Debedin, known as “Pretty”, as she and members of the community prepare for the landmark event.
“I’m very happy, and I’m proud. And I would say that we, the Island people, Fort Island, we are blessed for the President to choose this part to come this year to do the event. We hope that the President, when he’s finished, he would interact with persons the whole night. It’s not like two hours and cut off. We would have activities for the whole night. And then we have refreshments, and it would have refreshments on sale also,” she revealed.
Debedin said hosting such a significant national event will not only build on the island’s rich history, but also bring greater attention to the community.
Fort Island, formerly known as Flag Island, is located approximately 16 kilometres from the mouth of the Essequibo River. It once served as the capital of the colonies of Essequibo and Demerara during the 17th and 18th Centuries.
The island earned its original name from a large flag that was flown to guide ships during Dutch occupation, and is home to the historic Fort Zeelandia.
Today, Fort Island has a population of approximately 106 residents across 38 households. According to Debedin, the community remains closely connected, with residents sharing strong ties.
She emphasised the importance of preserving the island’s history and promoting it to future generations, so they can appreciate the significance of its heritage and historic structures.
Preparations for the flag-raising ceremony are already underway. Debedin said residents have begun clearing the event site, including the Fort, walkways, and surrounding areas, with the entire community contributing to the effort.
Debedin said that all persons residing in the community are onboard with this, lending a helping hand to ensure their home is welcoming.
She added that the goal is not only to prepare for the event, but to ensure that improvements made now can be maintained long after the celebrations.
In addition to a clean and welcoming environment, visitors can expect a variety of local offerings, including coconut water, lime-and-ginger drinks, fried fish, and other traditional Fort Island fare.