Home latest news Messages on Guyana’s 59th Independence Anniversary

Messages on Guyana’s 59th Independence Anniversary

0

Let us recommit to the values that underpin our independence – PPP

On May 26, 1966, the Golden Arrowhead was raised for the very first time. That moment marked not only the end of colonial rule, but the birth of a sovereign nation filled with hope, pride, and determination. It was the culmination of long and difficult struggles, during which brave and selfless individuals made tremendous sacrifices to secure the freedom we now enjoy.

Our attainment of Independence brought with it the promise of self-governance and the opportunity to chart our own course as a people united under one flag. It was a moment of tremendous joy and national pride—one that lives on in the collective memory of all Guyanese.

Over the fifty-nine years since that historic day, our nation has been tested on many fronts. We have faced political, economic, and social challenges that have, at times, threatened the very fabric of our unity. Today, we are confronted with yet another serious challenge—Venezuela’s spurious and unlawful claim to a large part of our sovereign territory. This threat strikes at the heart of our national integrity and identity. Yet, as we have done in the past, the Guyanese people continue to stand resolute—united in purpose, unwavering in our defense of our territorial sovereignty, and confident in the justice of our cause. Our resilience, courage, and indomitable spirit have always seen us through adversity, and they will once again guide us forward as we pursue peace, justice, national development, and equity for all.

As we mark our 59th Independence Anniversary, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends warmest greetings to all Guyanese, both at home and in the diaspora. This occasion is not only a time for celebration, but also one for reflection. We must never forget the efforts and sacrifices of those who came before us, those who bravely fought for self-rule, who endured hardships, and who laid the foundation upon which modern Guyana stands today. Their legacy must continue to inspire pride, unity, and a deep sense of patriotism in all of us.

As we look ahead, we are reminded of the vast potential of our beloved country. Through careful and prudent management of our resources, and by fostering inclusive growth and equal opportunity, the PPP is committed to the task of building a Guyana where every citizen has a fair chance to thrive. The road ahead will not be without obstacles, but with continued resilience, unity, and hope, there is no limit to what we can achieve together.

Let us recommit ourselves to the values that underpin our independence—justice, freedom, equality, and national unity. Let us honour the sacrifices of our forebears not only in word, but through action and service to our country.

Happy Independence Day to all Guyanese! May our Golden Arrowhead continue to fly high, symbolizing the strength, pride, and aspirations of a people determined to shape a brighter future.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Let us build a nation that can collectively defend its territory, achieve national unity – PNCR

Fellow Guyanese, on this momentous occasion of our 59th Independence Anniversary, we come together as a nation to celebrate our hard-won sovereignty and autonomy. Today, we honour the sacrifices of those who fought tirelessly and heroically for our freedom (Cuffy, Atta, Damon, Burnham, Jagan, to name a few) and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to continue their work in building a strong, just, equitable, and prosperous Guyana for all its citizens.

As we reflect on our journey this year, we stand firmly in solidarity with the brave members of the Guyana Defence Force, the residents of Essequibo, and indeed all Guyanese, as we stand up for our country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We echo the sentiments expressed by our Party Leader, the Hon. Aubrey C. Norton MP, in Parliament on May 23, 2025, in reaffirming the finality of the 1899 Arbitral Award and condemning the antics and acts of aggression by Venezuela against our peaceful nation. Essequibo belongs to Guyana, and the PNCR stands ready to defend our land and the Guyanese people against any form of aggression or intimidation…

As the Opposition, we will continue to defend the rights, freedoms, and entitlements of the Guyanese people. We can and must rescue this nation. Those who fought for our independence demand no less from all Guyanese.

Today, as we commemorate our independence, let us renew our commitment to building a nation that can resolutely and collectively defend its territory that can entrench and enhance the principles of good governance that can uphold the rights and dignities of each citizen, that can achieve national unity, and that can guarantee happiness and shared prosperity to all Guyanese.

Happy Independence Day, Guyana! Long live our sovereignty! Long live our unity!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Use Independence anniversary to bridge divides, strengthen bonds – ERC

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) extends its warmest felicitations to all Guyanese at home and in the diaspora as the nation collectively observes the 59th Anniversary of Guyana’s Independence.

On this momentous occasion, we reflect with pride on the journey we have undertaken as a nation, from the dawn of our freedom to the present day. Fifty-nine years ago, our forebears, through unwavering determination, agitation and a shared vision to remove colonial domination, secured our independence, charting a course for self-determination and national sovereignty.

This anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made and the dreams that were kindled for a united, prosperous, and harmonious Guyana. As we celebrate this significant milestone, the ERC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where every Guyanese, regardless of their ethnic background, feels valued, respected, and empowered.

Our diversity is our strength, a vibrant tapestry woven from myriad cultures, traditions, and perspectives. It is this rich mosaic that truly defines us as a nation. The ERC recognizes that building and sustaining national unity is an ongoing process, one that requires continuous dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect. We encourage all citizens to embrace the principles of inclusivity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

Let us use this occasion to bridge divides, strengthen bonds, and work collaboratively towards a future where ethnic harmony is not just an aspiration, but a lived reality for all.

May this 59th Independence Anniversary inspire us to renew our dedication to the Guyanese ideal – a nation where peace, progress, and prosperity are shared by all.

Happy Independence Day, Guyana!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Honour our Independence by promoting quality public service, justice & dignity for all workers – GPSU

The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) extends warm greetings to all Guyanese, at home and abroad, as we commemorate 59 years as an Independent Nation, a journey defined by the unrelenting will of a people determined to govern themselves with dignity, justice, and self-determination.

The GPSU embraces the National Theme, “Guyana: A Future of Unity and Progress,” as both an aspiration and a responsibility. We must recognize that without genuine national unity, grounded in respect, justice, and inclusion, all that we have achieved, positively since Independence in 1966 can be undermined. Our internal division weakens collective resolve at a time when Guyana’s sovereignty is threatened. Guyana’s firm stance against Venezuela’s unfounded claim to a large portion of our country’s resources and, by extension, its people demands that we stand together. Unity is not optional, it is essential to defending our borders, our dignity, and our future.

On May 26, 1966, Guyana proudly raised its Golden Arrowhead and stepped onto the world stage as an independent nation. More than a flag, the Golden Arrowhead embodies the essence of who we are. Its bold colors represent our vast forests, mineral wealth, mighty rivers, and the courage, endurance, and perseverance of our people. It is not merely a national emblem; it is a promise to future generations and a pledge to protect the values for which our fore-parents fought.

The road to Independence was neither short nor easy. It was paved by the unwavering leadership of Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham and Cheddi Berret Jagan, along with the invaluable contributions of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, the Father of Trade Unionism in Guyana, and many other Trade Unionists. Though they came from different racial and ideological backgrounds, they shared a common vision for a free, just, and united Guyana.

Supporting that vision were thousands of Public Servants, nurses, doctors, engineers, surveyors, teachers, clerks, technicians, law enforcement officers, and revenue workers, who kept the machinery of the colonial state functioning, even as they were denied justice. In the shadow of the empire, they laid the groundwork for nationhood…

As one of the oldest and most resilient institutions in Guyana, the GPSU reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that progress is people-centered, that workers’ rights are protected, and that public service remains a cornerstone of democracy and national development. We believe that true progress must be anchored in justice, equity, strong institutions, and unwavering respect for the contributions of public servants and workers across this nation…

As Guyana enters a new chapter, fueled by a growing oil and gas economy—serious challenges emerge. The very vision that united us at Independence is now tested… To truly honor our Independence, we must rekindle the spirit of purpose and solidarity that brought us this far…

Let us restore trust and confidence, rebuild unity, and shape a national identity rooted in equal opportunity and shared prosperity for every citizen, regardless of background or ethnicity…

As we continue to modernize and develop our beloved country, let us honor and safeguard the gains of our Independence by promoting quality public service, justice, and the dignity for all workers. We must remain resolute in our pursuit of national unity and steadfast in our demand for full adherence to our Constitution, the Rule of Law, and the International Conventions of the United Nations (UN) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) ratified by the Parliament of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

To every Public Servant and Worker, from hospitals to schools, courtrooms to borders, mining fields to administrative offices, factories, farms, and urban or rural centers, we recognize your hard work and contributions, and we salute you. Your labor is the light that never went out, not during colonialism, not during crisis, and not during division. You are the enduring stewards of Guyana’s democracy.

Let this 59th Independence Anniversary inspire us to reflect deeply, act boldly, and live with integrity, in full alignment with this year’s theme: “Guyana: A Future of Unity and Progress” and our national motto: “One People. One Nation. One Destiny.”

Happy 59th Independence Anniversary, Guyana.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Independence must deliver for the workers who fought for it – GTUC

As Guyana celebrates its 59th Independence Anniversary, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) honours the workers—past, present, and future—whose sacrifices, struggles, and leadership paved the way for our country’s freedom on May 26, 1966…

Independence must mean something—especially for those who made it possible. The Labour Movement, beginning with the founding of the Trade Union Movement in 1926, was central to the struggle for self-determination. It is workers who marched, organised, and agitated to break the chains of colonial rule…

In 2025, Guyana boasted a $ $1.38 trillion (US$6.63 billion) and projected oil revenues of US$2.8 billion. Despite these figures, the average worker continues to struggle… This is not a mixed anniversary for Guyana’s working class…

The Trade Union Movement remains committed to fighting for a just and equitable Guyana—for a nation where workers are respected, their rights protected, and their contributions rewarded…

On this 59th Independence Anniversary, GTUC urges every Guyanese to reflect on the journey we’ve made—and the battles yet to be won. Our ancestors fought for our freedom. We must honour them not just in word, but in action—by continuing the fight for justice, dignity, and shared prosperity.

Happy Independence, Guyana. Let us make it mean something—for all.

 

 

---

Discover more from INews Guyana

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Previous articleWe are ready for 2025 election & we are prepared to win it for the people – Jagdeo
Next articleNo election activities in Guyana’s Essequibo region by Venezuela