Set against a backdrop of Guyana’s beauty, Consul General to New York Ambassador Michael E. Brotherson and Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, the Permanent Representative to the United Nations, cut an achievement cake and toasted to the nation’s 60th Independence Anniversary at Queens Borough Hall on May 26.
The vivid commemoration of the day Guyana gained its freedom in 1966 opened with the hoisting of the golden Arrowhead flag by Honor Guards from XGDF Association and Guyanese American Law Enforcement Association, and blessed by Rev. Alfred Cockfield, Imam Shaykh Safraz Bacchus and Pandit Yogeshwar Narayan.
Ambassador Brotherson, who highlighted the theme — Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee — said the digital displays at Subway stations across the boroughs and a flag fly-over New York to honor expatriates offered a reminder that Independence Day will forever be embedded in “our past, present, and future.
“Sixty years ago on this very day, the Union Jack was lowered at the National Park in Georgetown, and the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted,” the diplomat said.
“You can take a Guyanese out of Guyana, but you can never take Guyana out of a Guyanese,” Brotherson said. “Whether through our food, our music, our traditions, or our unwavering interest in everything happening back home, the Guyanese Diaspora continues to demonstrate a deep and enduring love for our homeland.”
He added: “As President Irfaan Ali has often reminded, the Diaspora has a role to play in the development of Guyana, and you distinguished sons and daughters of the soil are all welcomed to maximize the opportunities that now abound in our land of many waters,” he said.
Brother said Guyana’s government is focused on New York City, noting that it is home to one of the largest parts of the Guyanese diaspora and hosts “some of the world’s greatest and most important political, business, financial and cultural institutions.”
Deputy Queens Borough President Ebony Young applauded the Guyanese community for their contribution to the borough.
“Consul General Brotherson, thank you for choosing Borough Hall to celebrate your 60th Independence Anniversary,” said Young, noting that more than 80,000 Guyanese Americans call Queens their home.
“Tonight, we’re putting your culture on the pedestal it deserves,” Young added. “Our Guyanese neighbors serves this borough as first responders, as teachers, as healthcare heroes, as frontline workers and as community leaders. This is a community that is rich in pride, and patriotism.”
Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett thanked the borough president for the reception.
“We gained our Independence during a difficult time,” she said. “Yet, we must pay tribute to Dr. Cheddi Jagan, and Forbes Burnham, and to all those who played a role, for their unrelenting struggles, which secured our Independence,” she said.
Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga-Landaverde offered a message of support on behalf of Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
“Happy 60th Independence,” Arteaga-Landaverde said. “Our Mayor Zohran Mamdani deeply appreciates the Guyanese community. Guyana has shown the world its rich culture, its food, its community, and its people in New York City.”
Chair of CARICOM Consular Corps Consul General of St. Lucia Jeremiah Hyacinth thanked Ambassador Michael Brotherson and his dedicated staff.
“Your commitment to serving the Guyanese diaspora and strengthening regional cooperation is deeply appreciated,” Hyacinth said. “As members of the Caribbean brothers and sisters, we celebrate not only Guyana’s independence, but also the shared values and aspiration that bind our region together.”
Hyacinth added: “We look forward to continued collaboration as we work collectively to advance the prosperity, unity, and global presence. On behalf of the Caribbean Consular Corps. We extend warm congratulations to Guyana on his 60th anniversary.”
Emceed by Marissa Carmichael-Edwards, and attended by Ambassador Trishala Persud, and Advisor, Investments & Diaspora Affairs, Fazal Yussuff, the stage came alive with glowing performances by Mikel Andrew, Dharmic Nritya Sangh, and Jamain Victor.
Anthony Allen sang the National Anthem, while Vaidavi Singh recited the Pledge. Terry Tassa Explosion, Akoyaw Rudder, and The Rick Dalgetty & Tropical Rhythms provided moving entertainment.
