Forbes Burnham and Cheddi Jagan, two of the principal architects of Guyana’s Independence, would likely be deeply disappointed were they to look upon Guyana today. Sixty years after they fought for this momentous achievement, the leadership of the PPP has excluded the leadership of the PNC from the national Independence celebrations, denying the Opposition participation in an event that commemorates a struggle and achievement belonging to all Guyanese.
The exclusion extended beyond the parliamentary Opposition. Trade unions, which played a pivotal role in the fight for political rights and self-government, and many of the surviving independence-era patriots and national contributors were also not invited to participate in the official events. Those who helped shape the nation’s journey to freedom found themselves shut out of the very commemoration of the struggle to which they contributed and helped achieve.
On May 26, 1966, Burnham and Jagan stood together under the banner of One People, One Nation, One Destiny as Guyana emerged from colonial rule and took its place among the independent nations of the world. While the two men had profound political and ideological differences, they understood the historic significance of the moment.
Their disagreements did not prevent them from embracing as the Golden Arrowhead was raised and a new nation was born. Independence was not the achievement of a single party, government, or leader. It was the culmination of decades of struggle by political leaders, trade unionists, civil society advocates, and ordinary citizens who demanded self-determination, universal adult suffrage, internal self-government, and ultimately independence.
Jagan would be dismayed that foreign guests and dignitaries were afforded front-row seats while key Guyanese stakeholders—including the parliamentary Opposition, representatives of organised labour, and independence heroes—were overlooked. While he and Burnham embraced on that historic day, today’s political leadership appears more committed to deepening divisions than fostering national unity and reconciliation.
The irony is striking. A celebration intended to honour the birth of a nation founded on unity instead highlighted the widening political and social fractures of the present. The message conveyed was that participation in the national story is conditional on political alignment rather than citizenship, sacrifice, and contribution.
In 2026, Jagan would scarcely recognise the party he once led. More importantly, he and Burnham would question how a nation born in a spirit of inclusion and shared purpose could commemorate its Independence by excluding those who helped secure it. The struggle for freedom belonged to all Guyanese. Its celebration should as well.
