Today is our 57th Independence Anniversary. Guyanese, home and aboard, mark this day with mixed emotions. We honour and reflect on the struggles and achievements of our forebears to liberate us from the bondage of colonialism as we mourn the tragedy that occurred last Sunday evening at Mahdia Secondary School dormitory which resulted in injuries and untimely death of young girls.
This is a period filled with bittersweet memories and reflection that fate has placed in our path and requires we walk through. I do believe we can travel through this phase and emerge a kinder, better and united people should we hold steadfast our aspiration to be “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.” These are powerful words that transcend all political parties, all eras and exclude none, which became ever so apparent this week as we embrace each other in collective loss, search for answers, appeal for justice, and desire the avoidance of a repeat.
Our collective aspiration was articulated 59 years ago in the words of Premier Forbes Burnham when he said “…all the people of this country are equally important, whether they belong to a large group or a small group…the Amerindians are important…the Chinese are important…the Portuguese are important…the Europeans are important…the mixed races are important…the Africans are important…the Indians are important. In short, all Guyanese are important and valued members of our community, and we cherish them and consider … it is [the] duty and privilege [of Government] to guard, protect and further the real interests of all.”
The memory of Prime Minister Forbes Burnham and Minority/Opposition Leader Cheddi Jagan’s embrace on 26th May 1966, shortly after the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted, is etched in the hearts of those who witnessed it, for it gave hope for togetherness and unity that two political adversaries shared the common interest and would work together in government and opposition to mould a new nation, a new Guyana. 57 years later that is still a dream to realise, for post-independence we saw deepening of divisions, both ideological and in governance. Nonetheless, these two leaders should be credited with the achievements of their time and it is left for generations coming after to continue that journey of nation building and unity.
Guyana, we can do it. Let’s rise!
Happy Independence to all.
