GAWU’s Independence Day Message 2017
As Guyana celebrates fifty-one (51) years as an independent state, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is pleased to join with all Guyanese to celebrate this landmark anniversary in our history.
We need to recall, at this time, that there was near absolute consensus amongst our then leaders that we needed to shed the Constitutional and other chains with which we were then wrapped. Independence brought us and we joyfully welcomed our new status as citizens of Guyana, no longer colonial subjects tied to a “mother” country. It also brought heavy responsibilities to safeguard and deepen our newly won freedom and to ensure a prosperous future. The onus was now ours to chart our own course and it was recognized it needed to be strengthened by economic independence and social justice. Those objectives had to be our guide as a people. They had to be attained and sustained.
GAWU feels certain that the attainment of Independence, which we fought for, motivated the social and economic progress of our country and was a decisive turning point for our all-round development. There are successes in several fields nationally and at the international level our country has earned recognition and respect. Our democratic culture which resurfaced over twenty (20) years ago, still, today faces new challenges and threats. Notwithstanding, the trials and setbacks the nation experienced and, most likely will face, we cannot deny the very many significant achievements as we overcame the negative legacy of colonialism.
The GAWU is aware that several key objectives are yet to be reached. One of these is our economic sovereignty which we see as crucial to safeguard our political independence especially in the context and circumstances that we see unfolding in today’s world.
The prospects for our country to grow and develop despite setbacks remain encouraging and we need to tackle the various tasks before us in a collective and united spirit. In this respect, our people, especially our working people needs to be encouraged and become involved in the decision-making levels of our society.
As we celebrate this historic anniversary, GAWU urges that we all recognize that we have a responsibility to let our democratic culture prevail. It is one of the strong strands that binds our nation and makes it united and free. Additionally, we share the belief that our independence will be secured and strengthened over time when every citizen is given to enjoy the fruits, benefits and opportunities of our collective efforts and work.
It is unfortunate to observe that our 51st Independence Anniversary finds us as a nation poised with further declining economic fortunes as the stage is being set to cut down the monumental sugar industry.
Happy Independence Anniversary to all Guyanese!
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Statement by Secretary TILLERSON
On behalf of the United States of America, congratulations to the people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on their 51st anniversary of independence.
The United States and Guyana are committed to working together to create a more secure and prosperous future. Guyana’s leadership role in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is a testament to its vision to building a brighter future, not only for the citizens of Guyana, but for all people in the broader Caribbean region.
The United States remains a steadfast partner as we strive to achieve mutually beneficial goals and objectives. We wish all Guyanese people a happy Independence Day celebration.
PNCR INDEPENDENCE MESSAGE 2017
As we celebrate the 51st Anniversary of Guyana’s Independence, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) salutes all Guyanese, both here at home and our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, on our achievement of yet another year as a politically independent people and country.
The political developments of the past two years have opened new avenues for the forging of a new democratic culture so necessary for the achievement of real independence and social progress in our country.
Our Party is confident that if as a nation we can build a truly, inclusive political culture in which all stakeholders are allowed to play a meaningful role and which can create an enabling environment for the orderly development of the nation, we can look forward to a future that is politically successful, economically self-sustaining and culturally rewarding.
As we celebrate this 51st anniversary of Independence, the PNCR pledge to work with all responsible and reliable forces whose aim is to forge social cohesion and national unity. We believe that working together we can ameliorate the many known problems which have bedeviled our country and stymied our development.
The PNCR is proud of our record in government and the important role that our Party and our Founder Leader, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham played in our country’s struggle for independence.
Happy 51st Independence, Guyana!
Guyana Trades Union Congress
The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) joins with all Guyanese, home and abroad, in observing the nation’s 51st birth anniversary. As this event is being marked, in whatever form, it is important not to lose sight of the fact that freedom was not achieved without pains and sacrifices.
From the earliest struggle against slavery, indentureship and colonization the people have displayed the propensity for intolerance against systems of domination. This inherent strain must not only be zealously proclaimed but equally demonstrated in the face of any threat to deny us our freedom.
Acts by foreign forces to undermine our sovereignty and territorial integrity through contempt for the Laws of Guyana and the coveting of our lands must be strenuously resisted. These acts represent other forms of whittling away at our freedom and depriving us the reward of a well fought battle. Internally, our forebears’ quest to forge a nation’s mighty soul and construct its frame, respecting of our diverse strains must not only be celebrated in remembrance but also in enactment.
No Guyanese, irrespective of diversity, must ever be made to feel not a part of this society. The social, economic, cultural and political rights and freedoms our ancestors fought for are meant to be for the beneficiary of all.
GTUC reminds all that freedom is not free. Freedom requires eternal vigilance and sacrifice not only to protect and defend the gains/achievements, but also to deepen, strengthen, and where possible, expand.
As a proud contributor to this nation’s fight for self-determination, GTUC calls on all Guyanese to preserve and persevere. Guyana belongs to all her sons and daughters and remains ours to guard and build. There must be no relenting of our duty in executing this noble task and calling.
Happy anniversary!
