—President Ali says culture is central to nation-building as country prepares to mark 60 years of independence

—Tourism Minister says festival showcases the best of Guyana to the world

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday evening called on Guyanese to embrace unity and cultural diversity as Guyana steps into the celebration of its 60th Independence Anniversary, declaring that culture must remain at the heart of national development.

The Head of State made the call while delivering the feature address at the opening ceremony of the Guyana Festival 2026 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The festival, which returned after a 12-year absence, is being held under the theme, “Sound, Soul and Taste,” and forms part of activities to commemorate Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary.

President Ali said the event represents more than entertainment, describing it as an important expression of national identity, togetherness and pride.

“The 60th anniversary of Guyana’s independence is therefore a time for recommitment, a recommitment to unity, a recommitment to inclusion, a recommitment to the idea of One Guyana, not as a slogan, but as a lived reality,” the President said.

Reflecting on Guyana’s journey since independence in 1966, President Ali acknowledged that the country’s path had not been perfect, but said the nation must now focus on building stronger unity and inclusion.

He said Guyana’s multicultural heritage must be used as a bridge to strengthen national unity, rather than deepen divisions.

“Culture is not a side attraction of nation-building, it is a part of the main story of nation-building,” he said.

He added, “Culture is a central pillar of nation-building because it gives a society its shared identity, values and sense of belonging.”

President Ali noted that Guyana’s music, cuisine, traditions and festivals reflect a shared national identity shaped by African, Indian, Indigenous, European, Chinese and Portuguese influences.

He said cultural expression creates emotional and psychological bonds among citizens and allows people from different backgrounds to recognise themselves in one another.

“No nation can progress when its people are divided against themselves,” the President said.

He also issued a direct appeal to young people, urging them not to inherit the prejudices and political divisions of previous generations.

“You are not responsible for the divisions of the past, but you hold a responsibility for the unity of the future… Become the generation that finally makes One Guyana real at home in our schools, workplaces, communities and in the relations we build with persons of other ethnicities. I place my trust in you, young Guyana, our young people. You are the generation that can turn diversity into destiny,” Ali declared.

The President further noted that national unity is closely linked to inclusive development, warning that economic progress without social cohesion could create deeper divisions if not properly managed.

Against this backdrop, he said his administration remains committed to ensuring that development benefits are fairly distributed across the country.

“When development is inclusive, unity becomes natural. When development is exclusive, division becomes inevitable. If politics has been a source of division, then let us use this 60th anniversary to ensure that culture unites us,” President Ali said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, described the return of the Guyana Festival as a historic moment and a major statement about Guyana’s growing cultural and tourism ambitions.

“Tonight, we open more than a festival. We come together for a national celebration of identity, heritage, achievement and possibilities,” she said.

Rodrigues said the festival was originally envisioned as a strategic initiative to showcase the best of Guyana while positioning the country as a leading tourism and cultural destination in the region.

“Events like [sic] the Guyana Festival are central to that strategy. Because tourism today is experience-driven, visitors are seeking destinations with authenticity and stories. They want immersive experiences. They want connection and Guyana has something unique to offer the world,” the minister said.

She added that events such as the Guyana Festival play an important role in supporting entrepreneurs, artisans, performers and small businesses, while preserving the country’s cultural identity amid rapid development.

“This is more than a festival. This is a national statement, a declaration that Guyana is proud of its people, its culture and its identity,” Rodrigues said.

Over the next three days, the Guyana Festival will feature cultural villages, culinary exhibitions, performances, concerts, storytelling, craft displays and competitions aimed at showcasing Guyana’s traditions, history and local creative talent.