The A Partnership for National Unity/People’s National Congress Reform (APNU/PNCR) has announced that its members will not attend this year’s Republic Anniversary flag-raising ceremony, saying the event no longer reflects a broad national observance.
In a statement issued to mark Guyana’s 56th anniversary as a Cooperative Republic, the opposition coalition extended congratulations to citizens while recalling that Guyana attained republican status in 1970 under PNCR Founder Leader Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. The party said the transition occurred during a challenging period for colonies navigating Cold War geopolitics.
APNU/PNCR noted that in the years following republican status and up to 1992, flag-raising ceremonies were widely attended public events that fostered national unity and pride, with thousands of Guyanese participating across the country. The party also highlighted investments made during successive PNC administrations in Mashramani and related cultural activities, including the National Calypso Competition, which it said helped produce notable performers such as Mighty Rebel, Mighty Smoker and Lord Canary.
However, the coalition argued that the significance of republican observances has diminished under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration. According to APNU/PNCR, the flag-raising ceremony has shifted from a mass national activity to what it described as a more restricted event.
“APNU will not be part of a flag-raising that celebrates friends, family, and favorites—we will be with the people on Mash Day,” the statement said.
The opposition also expressed concern about the state of Mashramani celebrations, contending that cultural components such as the calypso competition have declined due to limited investment. It further criticised the government’s 2026 Budget, claiming that significant allocations to large infrastructure projects were made despite what it described as limited national capacity to execute them effectively.
The coalition said Members of Parliament had received invitations to the flag-raising ceremony but would decline to attend, arguing that the event no longer represents a true national celebration. Instead, APNU/PNCR indicated that its representatives will participate in Mashramani Day activities alongside citizens.
The statement concluded with the coalition reaffirming its alignment with ordinary Guyanese, stating, “We are for the people—not the friends, family, and favourites.”
Government officials have not publicly responded to the opposition’s remarks.
