Blessed 60th. DIAMOND JUBILEE of Independence; EID Al ADHA; 10 Largest Provinces in CHINA & its Provincial Structure; and GUYANA 10th. Anniversary on MAY 19, at IsDB
On this BLESSED 60th DIAMOND JUBILEE, I join Guyanese AT HOME and across the DIASPORA in celebrating our NATION’S INDEPENDENCE, achieved on May 26, 1966. Sixty years of SOVEREIGNTY have tested our RESILIENCE, showcased our DIVERSITY, and AFFIRMED our MOTTO: One People, One Nation, One Destiny.
From our RIVERS to our RAINFORESTS , from our VILLAGES to the WORLD STAGE, Guyana stands PROUD. As a SON of the SOIL and former Ambassador to Kuwait, I salute the PIONEERS of 1966 and the GENERATIONS building OUR FUTURE.
I extend sincere THANKS to His Excellency the President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali; His Excellency Hon. Brigadier (Rtd) Mark Anthony Phillips, Prime Minister; His Excellency Hon Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice President, Ministers, and the Government of Guyana for their continued TRANSFORMATIONAL STEWARDSHIP as we mark this historic DIAMOND Jubilee
May this DIAMOND JUBILEE RENEW our commitment to UNITY, SERVICE, and PROSPERITY for ALL.
Left to Right, Sir Richard Luyt; John Sawh (USAID); Cecil Ramsingh (PPP’s Mirror Newspapers); Peter De Freitas ( Central Garage) and Shamir Ally ( Admin. Assistant to Rahman Bacchus Gajraj, MD/CEO HB Gajraj, LORD MAYOR City of Georgetown, and SPEAKER of PARLIAMENT.)
EID Al ADHA
EID Al ADHA
EID Al ADHA, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice.” It commemorates the DEVOTION of Prophet IBRAHIM I, who was willing to SACRIFICE his SON in OBEDIENCE to God, BEFORE the ACT was REPLACED with a RAM. It marks the CONCLUSION of the ANNUAL HAJJ pilgrimage to MECCA.
GLOBALLY 1. 9 BILLION MUSLIMS mark the occasion by performing the RITUAL SACRIFICE (QURBANI) , sharing MEAT with Family, Neighbours, and Persons in Need, and attending special EID NAMAAZ prayers.
QURBANI (also known as Udhiyah) is the RITUAL SACRIFICE of a LIVESTOCK animal performed by Muslims during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah.
Eid Al Adha, serve as a reminder of FAITH, DISCIPLINE, and SPIRITUAL RENEWAL. For many believers, it is a time to reconnect with their values, strengthen their relationship with God, and increase ACTS OF KINDNESS.
GLOBALLY, there are over 1.9 BILLION MUSLIMS spread across every continent. ISLAM is the MAJORITY RELIGION in approximately 50 to 53 COUNTRIES. The Global distribution is highly concentrated in South and Southeast Asia, which host a major portion of the WORLDWIDE Muslim population.
HAJJ MUBARAK to all Guyanese PILGRIMS. To all Muslim brothers and sisters performing Hajj this year: May Allah accept your pilgrimage, forgive your sins, and grant you a Hajj Mabroor. For those at home, may our prayers and duas reach the blessed lands of Makkah and Madinah. HAJJ Mubarak. آمين Ameen.
The HAJJ is the largest gathering of Muslims in the world and will begin this year on May 25, 2026. Official estimates from Kingdon of Saudi Arabia, and authorities expect nearly 2 MILLION Muslims
HAJJ is the ultimate symbol of UNITY — millions of people, one purpose, one Creator. As our Guyanese pilgrims join the Ummah in Makkah, WE pray for their safe journey, accepted HAJJ , and return home as better servants of humanity. Hajj Mubarak to all.
As GUYANA celebrates its 60th DIAMOND Jubilee, we also send SPECIAL DUAS to our Guyanese BROTHERS and SISTERS on HAJJ. May their PRAYERS for our One Nation, One People, One Destiny be accepted. Hajj Mubarak from the LAND of MANY WATERS to the MECCA Holy Land.
Extending warm wishes to ALL PILGRIMS from Guyana and AROUND THE WORLD undertaking HAJJ. May this sacred journey bring PEACE to your hearts and BLESSINGS to your nations. Hajj Mubarak.
June 3, 2018, Dr Shamir, at Masjid al-Haram (Grand Masjid): Located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, it is considered the HOLIEST MASJID in ISLAM. It surrounds the KAABA, a cube-shaped building considered the House of Allah
Top 50 OLDEST COUNTRIES in the WORLD
BC stands for “before Christ.”
AD stands for Anno Domini, Latin for “in the year of the Lord.”
1.IRAN 3200 BC Ancient Empire and Complexities
2.EGYPT 3100 BC Pyramids, Pharaohs & Wonders
3.VIETNAM 2879 BC Dynasties, Resilience and Food
4.ARMENIA 2492 BC History, Culture, Mountains
5.NORTH KOREA 2333 BC Self Reliance, Ideology & Heritage
6.CHINA 2070 BC Powerhouse, Land of Contrasts
7.INDIA 2000 BC Traditions, Contrasts & Innovation
8.GEORGIA 1300 BC Ancient Kingdom, Mountains, & Food
9.ISREAL 1300 BC Heritage, Dynamic, and Innovation
10.SUDAN 1070 BC History, Nile River, and Landscapes
11.AFGHANISTAN 678 BC History, Culture & Resilience
12.JAPAN 660 BC Culture, Tradition, & Bullet Trains
13.ETHOPIA 650 BC Roots, Mountains & Culture
14.GREECE 338 BC History, Beauty & Ancient Ruins
15.ARMENIA 330 BC Churches, Mountains, & Food
16.CAMBODIA 150 AD Angkor and Cheeser Wat, People & Food
17.SAN MARINO 301 AD Charm, Views, & Hiking Trails
18.FRANCE 481 AD Food, Wine, Fashion, and Art
19.BULGARIA 632 AD Culture, Ruins and Ski Resorts
20.SERBIA 768 AD Festivals, Culture and Food
21.MORROCCO 789 AD Souks, Architecture & Food
22.MYANMAR 849 AD Culture, Temples, & Food
23.NORWAY 872 AD Fjords, Mountains & Nature
24.HUNGARY 895 AD History, Thermal Baths & Wine
25.CROTIA 925 AD History, Lakes, and Vibes
26.ENGLAND 927 AD Landmarks, Football and Tea
27.DENMARK 935 AD Mermaids, Culture & Food
28.POLAND 966 AD Medieval Charm, Resilience & Food
29.PORTUGAL 1128 AD Wine, Food and Music
30.BOSNIA 1189 AD Culture, Mountains & Food
31.MONGOLIA 1206 AD History, Adventure, and Horses
32.THAILAND 1248 AD Temples, Beaches, and Spices
33.LITHUANIA 1253 AD History, Castles, and Food
34.ALBANIA 1272 AD Architecture, Beaches, and Food
35.ANDORRA 1278 AD Mountains, Skiing, and Tax Free Luxe.
36.RUSSIA 1283 AD 11 TIME ZONES, History and Vodka
37.SWITZERLAND 1291 AD Adventure, Lakes, and Chocolates
38.TURKEY 1299 AD East & West Bridge, Masjids & Foods
39.CZECH REPUBLIC 1346 AD History, Architecture and Beer Halls
40.LAOS 1354 AD Temples, Nature, and Foods
41.SWEDEN 1397 AD Nature, Designs and Meatballs
42.MONTENEGRO 1484 AD Adventure, Coastal Charm & River
43.SPAIN 1497 AD Culture, Flamenco, and Siestas
44.AUSTRIA 1648 AD Palaces, Music, and Food
45.NETHERLANDS 1648 AD Culture, Canals, Tulips & Cheese
46.OMAN 1651 AD Heritage, Beaches, Masjids, & Souks
47.UNITED KINGDOM 707 AD History, Palaces, Royals and Tea
48.NEPAL 1768 AD Adventure, Temples, & Mountains
49.USA 1776 AD Skylines, Hollywood, & Grand Canyon
50.HAITI 1804 AD History, Voodoo, Beaches & Foo
10 Largest Provinces in CHINA & China’s Provincial Structure.
How Many Provinces Are There in China?
China has a total of 34 provincial level divisions, including 23 Provinces, 5 Autonomous Regions, 4 Municipalities, and 2 Special Administrative Regions (HONG KONG and MACAU)
Province vs. Municipality vs. Autonomous Region
Province, municipality, and autonomous region are all provincial level divisions in China. However, they differ in governing methods.
Provinces are the standard units of regional administration and the most numerous. They each have a governor and a party secretary.
Municipalities are large cities that are directly administered by the central government as opposed to being part of a province. They have the same administrative status as provinces. The most famous municipalities are Beijing and Shanghai.
Autonomous Regions are regions with large and concentrated minority populations that are given some level of legislative autonomy. They have certain rights to create their own legislation but are still governed by the central government.
1. Xinjiang – 1.66 million square kilometers
Population(2024): 26 million
Provincial Capital: Urumqi
Type of Division: Autonomous Region
Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is the biggest province in China. In fact, it has an area that equals about 16% of the entire country.
2. Tibet – 1.23 million square kilometers
Population(2024): 7 million
Provincial Capital: Lhasa
Type of Division: Autonomous Region
Tibet is the second largest and the least populated province in China. It is known for being the roof of the world because it is home to the highest peak on earth, Mount Everest.
3. Inner Mongolia – 1.18 million square kilometers
Population(2024): 23.9 million
Provincial Capital: Hohhot
Type of Division: Autonomous Region
Inner Mongolia is another autonomous region with beautiful ethnic culture. Local Mongolian and Ewenki communities still preserve their nomadic lifestyle on the vast grasslands.
4. Qinghai – 0.72 million square kilometers
Population(2024): 5.9 million
Provincial Capital: Xining
Type of Division: Province
Qinghai is another important stop along the Silk Road. Situated on a plateau, it has a vast area of mountains and is the source of a number of major rivers in China. Thanks to its terrain, the gorgeous alpine scenery attracts many visitors.
5. Sichuan – 0.49 million square kilometers
Population(2024): 6 million
Provincial Capital: Chengdu
Type of Division: Province
Sichuan is a more famous province on the list because it is home to two symbols of China, giant pandas, and hotpot. Its capital city, Chengdu, is the hub of southwestern China. You can experience the authentic Chengdu lifestyle, taste traditional Sichuan cuisine known for its spices, and explore the city’s cultural heritage.
6. Heilongjiang – 0.47 million square kilometers
Population(2024): 30.3 million
Provincial Capital: Harbin
Type of Division: Province
Heilongjiang is the most representative province of northern China. Due to its latitude, it has the coldest winter in the entire country. As a result, it is also the best place to for a winter trip to see the snowy scenes. Mostly famously, its capital city, Harbin, has the Ice and Snow Festival every year. Since the province itself is relatively rural, you will be able to discover many local traditions and authentic foods.
7. Gansu – 0.45 million square kilometers
Population(2024): 24.6 million
Provincial Capital: Lanzhou
Type of Division: Province
Gansu is a must-visit province on a Silk Road tour. It is considered the birthplace of Chinese civilization with many ancient caves, grottoes, and temples to explore. At these sites, you will discover the mysterious history of ancient China and the ingenuity of the people who lived on this land thousands of years ago. Traveling to Gansu will be a dream come true for history lovers.
8. Yunnan – 0.39 million square kilometers
Population(2024): 46.6 million
Provincial Capital: Kunming
Type of Division: Province
Yunnan in southwestern China is known for its diversity across both landscapes and ethnic culture. You will find all kinds of natural scenery from tropical rainforests to snow mountains. In fact, it has some of the best hiking trails in the world like the Tiger Leaping Gorges and Yubeng trails. They will take you through the snow mountains, deep gorges, glaciers, and Tibetan villages along the way.
9. Guangxi – 0.24 million square kilometers
Population(2024): 50.1 million
Provincial Capital: Nanning
Type of Division: Autonomous Region
Guangxi is a mountainous region in southern China, the home of the Zhuang people. It is best known for the city of Guilin, one of the top destinations for people traveling to China for the first time. It is often tanked the most beautiful place in China for its unique karst landforms.
10. Hunan – 0.21 million square kilometers
Population(2024): 65.4 million
Provincial Capital: Changsha
Type of Division: Province
Hunan is also a southern China province known for its mountains, especially those of Zhangjiajie. In recent years, Zhangjiajie has become a World-famous tourist destination because it is the inspiration for the FLOATING MOUNTAINS in the movie AVATAR. The amazing PEAKS, Grand Canyon, and a variety of outdoor activities attract many NATURE LOVERS and Photographers.
The BALANCE of POWER has shifted in TRUE CHINESE style – without NOISE and CONFLICT
BEIJING has officially solidified its position as the gravity CENTER of GLOBAL politics, acting as an indispensable geopolitical HUB where rival world powers compete for influence through high-stakes diplomacy and covert BACK CHANNELS.
In GCC, the Power Center, is Riyadh, KSA followed by Doha, Qatar.
“The CHINESE CONCEPT of “WINNING without FIGHTING” originates from Sun Tzu’s ANCIENT treatise The Art of War, which states, “To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.”
In modern geopolitics and military doctrine, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) executes this concept through the Three Warfares (3Ws, or San Zhong Zhanfa). Formalized in 2003, this strategy aims to reshape the strategic environment, control discourse, and defeat opponents without risking kinetic conflict.
The “Three Warfares” (or 3Ws) is a STRATEGIC, non-kinetic DOCTRINE adopted by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in 2003 to achieve NATIONAL and MILITARY objectives WITHOUT OPEN COMBAT. It aims to CONTROL the NARRATIVE, undermine adversary resolve, and secure geopolitical advantages through THREE PRIMARY TACTICS:
Public Opinion / Media Warfare: Shapes domestic and international narratives to build global support for China’s actions, weaken an adversary’s position, and avoid actions contrary to Beijing’s interests.
Psychological Warfare: Uses pre-conflict posturing, deterrence, and cognitive manipulation to instill doubt, shock, or demoralize opposing military personnel and civilian populations.
Legal Warfare (“Lawfare”): Leverages domestic and international laws to legitimize China’s claims (such as in the South China Sea), restrict an adversary’s operational freedom, and build legal defenses for preemptive actions.
GUYANA, 10th. Anniversary on MAY 19, at IsDB
The Cooperative Republic of Guyana joined IsDB in July 2016 as its newest and 57th member country. Guyana is a small developing country in South America, with a low population density. It is one of the most vulnerable countries to global climate change, as its entire coastal area is low- lying and approximately 3 meters below sea level.
Photo: IsDB: MAY 21, 2026 : 13 PROJECTS, 11 Completed, 2 ACTIVE USD $236 Million.
Governor, H.E. Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice President
Alternate Governor, H.E. Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister, Office of the President
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group is set to hold its 51st ANNUAL Meetings in BAKU, Republic of Azerbaijan on 16-19 June 2026.
GRANT and CREDIT LINE USD $900 MILLION for 2018-2022.
“ Minister of Finance Hon. Winston Jordan, BSc, MSc, MP, clarified that the US $900 million is not automatically available. He noted that the Government has to come up with PROJECTS consistent with the lending mandate of IsDB. Therefore, they used the term RESOURCE ENVEOPE , which means the LINE OF FINANCING is available if the Government can come up with PROJECTS acceptable and consistent with the lending mandate of IsDB.” The Need for PROJECTS’ FEASABILITIES STUDIES.
Photo: Islamic Development Bank, ( IsDB) Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Guyana JOINED on MAY 19, 2016, NOW its TENTH Anniversary.
5 Recommendations to GUYANA Government.
1. SINGAPORE and QATAR GOVERNMENT MODELS FOR BEST PRACTICES including ZERO Corruption. Singapore and Guyana BOTH became INDEPENDENT in 1966, BUT they took OPPOSITE paths.
2. Embassy in RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA with OIC 57 Nations AND IsDB with 57 Nations.
3. Embassy in Addis Ababa, ETHOPIA: AU with 55 Nations.
4. Embassy in NORWAY.
5. DUBAI’s BEST PRACTICES for MEGA PROJECTS with a GUYANA MINISTRY OF PLANNING FOR 10/20/30 YEARS.
OFFICIAL MOTTO: “ONE PEOPLE, ONE NATION, ONE DESTINY.”
