Guyana’s diplomats raised their glasses last Wednesday, May 21, in a celebratory toast to the nation’s 59th Anniversary of Independence during a reception imbued with honor and patriotism.
Consul General Ambassador Michael E. Brotherson, against a backdrop of the country’s symbolic national colors at the Jamaica Performance Arts Center (JPAC), hailed the celebration of Independence at a time when Guyana was recognized as a significant and reliable actor in the international System.
“Our country’s horizons are being broadened rapidly, and this achievement must be credited to the visionary and sustained leadership and efforts of President Ali and his Government,” said CG Brotherson, who hosted the event with Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.
“We bring greetings from His Excellency President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the Government and people of Guyana. The Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Hilton Todd, has also asked me to convey his sincere greetings to you on this significant occasion,” he told the packed room of compatriots and members of the Counselor Corps.
“In May 1966, Independence meant that we gained political autonomy, and a nation was forged with a particular identity and sovereignty. Today, palpable evidence confirms that Guyana has etched an indelible place as a progressive, fast-developing, and attractive nation and a respected leader in some respects,” said the diplomat.
“However, we should never take our progress for granted. We must stay committed to the ideals of our nation. And as we do so, we undoubtedly will feel proud of the unprecedented level of economic and social development our nation is experiencing today.”
He noted that it is “most apposite for us to use the observance of this auspicious milestone to reaffirm the sacrosanct of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. And as we do, we must also remember and laud the resilience and patriotism of the Guyanese people, including you here in our vast diaspora.”
“The diaspora is indeed important to Guyana’s development, and as you gather here today in your numbers, I can say with utmost certainty that you are truly vindicating the importance that the Government of Guyana places on diaspora relations and national development.”
“It, therefore, gives me immense pleasure to join with you wonderful diasporans, and all present, in raising a toast to Guyana’s 59th Independence Anniversary, to the unfettered preservation of our sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to the continued development and prosperity of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, said the diplomat.
Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues Burkett said the nostalgic salute, accompanied by great entertainment by Rick Dalgetty’s Tropical Waves string band and delectable cutters, was a time of celebration for reflection and gratitude.
“The 26th of May is an important day for our country and for all Guyanese, regardless of where we may live. It is the day when, after many struggles in the fight for our Independence from Great Britain, our flag – the Golden Arrowhead – was flown for the first time; when, for the first time, we sang our own national anthem and recited our pledge,” she said proudly.
“All of this symbolized that we were now a free Nation with our own destiny to build,” said Burkett, permanent representative to the United Nations.
The diplomat spoke of peace and unity, noting that there have never been more critical for Guyana. “The development of our country has taken off like never before. At the same time, we face our biggest danger since Independence – the threat to our sovereignty and territorial integrity by one of our neighbors who claims two-thirds of our country. The Government of that country has gone so far as to call a sham election, ostensibly for the governance of part of our territory, and against the order of the International Court of Justice.”
“We are witnessing a rapid and positive transformation of our country, led by our energetic and forward-thinking President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and supported by Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo – both who have served and continue to serve Guyana with excellence.”
“Today, we are better off. Encourage your relatives back home to make use of these opportunities that are available in every sector,” she urged compatriots.
Jeremiah Hyacinth, consul general of Saint Lucia and newly appointed head of the Caribbean Consular Corps, extended wishes on behalf of his colleagues, adding, as you reflect on your country in the years past and what it means to be Guyanese at home and abroad,, over the past 59 years, you should be immensely proud of what you as a people have achieved, and take pride in the tremendous contributions Guyanese continues to make while working tirelessly.”
“Guyana continues to have a profound impact on global warming; therefore, it is in a joyous spirit of celebration and renewed commitment that I extend my sincere greetings on the birthday of your nation,” said CG Hyacinth, who lauded CG Brotherson for his sterling contribution to the diaspora.
In brief closing remarks, Fazil Joe Yussuff, advisor on Investment Affairs, Diaspora Unit, expressed gratitude to the celebrants for attending the celebration.
“Thank you for being here today, he said, noting the presence and exceptional and indelible work the staff of the diplomatic offices put in to ensure the success of the evening’s proceedings that Claire Patterson-Monah emceed.
Yussuff called on nationals to return to their homeland and experience the rapid transformation of development taking place. “I want to encourage you to return to see what your homeland is today compared to 39 years ago,” he implored.
He also spoke of the immense quality of the celebration while acknowledging President Irfaan Ali’s tower image on banners hung above the reception hall and applauding the leader for his commitment to development and unity in Guyana and the diaspora.
The Consul General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Rony McIntosh, and the Communications Officer of the Jamaica Consulate, Christopher Benjamin, were also in attendance.
The commemoration will continue with a flag-raising ceremony on Friday, May 23, at Bowling Green in lower Manhattan, followed by an Aerial Flyover – Celebrating Guyana in the Diaspora on Independence Day, May 26 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The honor flyover will take place in New York City, the southern coastline of Long Island, the Hudson River corridor, and Brooklyn.
