Guyana’s Independence Anniversary Celebration Committee (New York) has announced big plans to celebrate Guyana’s 51st Anniversary of Independence in New York, commencing with a flag-raising ceremony at New York City Hall on Independence Day, May 26.
Guyana gained independence from Great Britain on May 26, 1966.
A cocktail reception and award ceremony in Queens will follow the flag-raising ceremony on Independence Day, the committee said on Sunday.
An Independence Anniversary Church Service will take place on Sunday, May 28 in Brooklyn, followed by a cricket competition on Sunday, June 4 in Queens.
The annual soccer tournament will again be hosted at the South Shore High School Park, Brooklyn, on Saturday, June 10.
The commemoration will conclude with the annual Guyanese-American Independence Parade on Sunday, June 11, commencing on Church Avenue in Brooklyn, followed immediately by the annual Guyanese-American Unity Concert at last year’s venue, the South Shore High School Park in Brooklyn.
The committee said several Guyana government officials, including President David Granger, have been invited to attend some of the activities.
To commemorate Guyana’s 50th Anniversary of Independence, the committee last year showcased Guyana’s rich history and cultural heritage, with an unprecedented week-long Golden Jubilee celebration.
It included an inter-faith anniversary service; symposium on the history and development of Guyana; volunteer day, with free medical and legal clinics; flag-raising ceremony; business and investment conference; cricket competition, soccer tournament and kids fun-day; State dinner at which President Granger was the keynote speaker and guest of honor; and Mashramani parade and unity concert.
The committee said it will announce additional details for its 2017 Independence celebration upon finalization of arrangements with New York City officials.