–says Guyana’s sovereignty ‘is not for sale and not for taking’ as he honours sacrifices of security forces during 60th Independence Anniversary salute

COMMANDER-in-CHIEF of the Armed Forces, President, Dr Irfaan Ali, on Saturday delivered a strong message of gratitude, national unity and unwavering sovereignty as he saluted Guyana’s Joint Services ahead of the country’s 60th Independence Anniversary, declaring that the nation’s freedom remains protected through the sacrifices of men and women in uniform.
Addressing members of the Joint Services during the salute of the 60th Independence Anniversary Route March, the President paid tribute to members of the Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Police Force, Guyana Prison Service, Guyana Fire Service and other security agencies, describing them as the guardians of Guyana’s freedom and territorial integrity.
“We salute all our men and women in uniform, and by extension, your families, who allow you this opportunity to serve with the greatest honour and dignity this beautiful country of ours,” said the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
He added, “The people of Guyana salute you and this morning I honour your courage, your service, your discipline and your dedication.”
Reflecting on Guyana’s independence journey, President Ali said the country’s liberation in 1966 represented more than a ceremonial achievement, but rather a solemn national promise.
“60 years ago, under the Golden Arrowhead, we declared to the world that Guyana is ours,” he said, noting that “independence was not a ceremony, it was a covenant.”
According to the Head of State, that covenant was grounded in the defence of freedom, the protection of Guyana’s borders and the preservation of internal peace.
“A covenant that our freedom would be defended, our borders respected and our people kept safe from internal strife and disorder,” he stated.
He said the ceremonial march by the disciplined services served as a renewal of that pledge, rooted in patriotism and sacrifice.
Quoting from the “Song of the Republic,” the President reminded citizens of the duty to protect Guyana’s lands from external threats, stating that the nation must continuously defend the ideals established at independence.
“Independence without protection is a door with no lock,” Dr Ali declared, emphasising that sovereignty, territorial integrity and national peace are not guaranteed by history alone.
“They are guaranteed by you, the men and women of the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service, the Guyana Fire Service, our National Intelligence Agency, CANU [Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit] and all the other supporting services that help to keep our country safe,” he said.
The President urged members of the Joint Services to remain vigilant in safeguarding Guyana’s borders, warning that the country’s growing wealth and resources could attract external interest.
He cautioned, “Guyana is a nation rich in land, rivers and immense resources, and where there is wealth, there is always a hungry eye.
“Our territorial integrity has been threatened before; it will never be threatened again, not only with words, but with a threat of incursions and pressures dressed in diplomacy,” Ali said.
He stressed that national vigilance must remain constant, adding that Guyana’s sovereignty is non-negotiable.
“The soldiers patrolling our rivers, the coast guard watching the horizon, the air corps covering our skies, they are the reason our map is not negotiable. Guyana’s sovereignty is not for sale and not for taking, and our Joint Services have the mission of ensuring that mission remains true,” the President asserted.

Turning attention to domestic security, President Ali said independence also meant protecting citizens from internal threats such as gang violence, drug trafficking, domestic violence, organised crime, arson and prison unrest.
“These are the termites that hollow a nation from within,” he warned.
The President said the daily work of members of the Joint Services often goes unnoticed, but remains essential to preserving peace and justice.
“When a police patrol overlooks our neighbourhoods for threats at night or day, our independence is kept alive,” he said.
“When a firefighter rushes to a burning building, that is an act of defending property. When prison officers hold a line against chaos, that is a protection of our system of justice.”
Dr Ali also called on citizens to support the Joint Services, arguing that national unity is critical in maintaining the country’s security and strength.
“This is why the public must lend their support wholeheartedly to our joint services, because not supporting our joint services sends an adverse signal,” he said.
He warned against division, emphasising that adversaries often observe whether countries stand united behind those charged with protecting them.
“Never let our adversaries see division and disunity, because a divided house does not need to be invaded, it simply crumbles,” the President cautioned.
While calling for public support, Dr Ali also stressed the importance of accountability.
He stated, “When they make mistakes, hold them accountable but never, never abandon them because when a nation abandons its guardians, it abandons itself.”
Throughout his address, the President repeatedly acknowledged the sacrifices made by security personnel and their families, recognising the personal costs often attached to public service.
“I stand here with words of some gratitude to the soldier who missed his or her child’s birthday to guard a border post, to the police officer who walked towards danger while others ran away, and to the firefighter who breathed smoke so a family could breathe air,” Dr Ali added.
“To you, I say, you kept the promise of 1966 alive. You have made sure that independence is not symbolic but a lived reality.” He further linked national development and economic progress to the stability created by the country’s security services.
“As we approach the 60th anniversary of our independence, Guyana stands taller because of you. Our economy grows faster and stronger because of the security you provide. Our voice in the world strengthened because you stand guard,” the President said.
Sending a message to external observers, President Ali underscored that Guyana’s peaceful posture should never be interpreted as weakness.
“To our adversaries watching, do not mistake our peace for weakness. Do not mistake any aspect of our national life for a lack of strength. Behind our diplomacy stands a disciplined force, and behind that force stands a people who will not barter their birthright,” he warned.
The Guyanese leader ended his address with a message of patriotism to veterans, young people and serving members of the Joint Services.
To veterans, he expressed appreciation for their service and dedication, while encouraging the younger generation to embrace strong national values.
“To the youngsters coming up, I say, take the best of examples from the best of us and make it the value system that allows you to build the best country we can ever have,” he said.
Dr Ali closed by reminding the Joint Services that the protection of Guyana’s independence remains an ongoing responsibility.
“At every step you take today, echo the truth that independence is not a memory, it is a mission, and you are its guardians.”