History
Guyana became an independent nation on Thursday, 26 May 1966, but the independence celebrations began four days before and continued until 29 May. Public buildings and business places were brightly decorated with streamers and buntings bearing the colours of the Guyana flag. On the evening of 25 May, a grand cultural performance took place at the Queen Elizabeth Park now known as the National Park. Dignitaries in the audience of thousands included the Duke and Duchess of Kent, representing Queen Elizabeth, and representatives of foreign governments. Then at midnight, the Union Jack, the symbol of British colonial rule for 163 years, was lowered and the new flag of Guyana, the Golden Arrowhead, was raised to the top of the mast. Just before the flag raising ceremony before a huge crowd, Prime Minister Forbes Burnham and Opposition Leader Cheddi Jagan publicly embraced each other, indicating their satisfaction that Guyana had finally won its political independence. With the raising of the new flag, fireworks burst across the sky in various parts of the country. Then around mid-morning, the State opening of the Parliament of Guyana took place. It was preceded by a military parade accompanied by much pomp and pageantry. Significantly, for this occasion, a portrait of Sir Walter Raleigh decorating the wall of the Parliament chamber was removed and replaced with a portrait of Prime Minister Burnham.
In welcoming independence, Dr. Jagan seized the opportunity to point out that the Burnham Government was abusing its powers through the extension of the state of emergency beyond the date of independence. This, he said, was generating fear throughout the country and was detrimental to the struggle for peace and security. He also highlighted the view that his party was the victim of repeated constitutional manipulations designed to keep it out of office. He added, "We are confident that despite these manipulations the People's Progressive Party can be triumphant at future elections if these are fairly held." Later that afternoon, Sir Richard Luyt was sworn in by the Duke of Kent as Guyana's first Governor General at a ceremony in the ballroom of Guyana House, the official residence of the Governor General.
During the period of the independence celebrations, many public events were also held. These included carnival-style parties, exhibitions, float parades and public rallies addressed by Burnham and his Ministers. On achieving independence, Guyana became the 23rd member of the British Commonwealth. The new state received instant recognition internationally. However, in its note of recognition signed by Foreign Minister Iribarren Borges, the Venezuelan Government stated that it "recognises as territory of the new State the one which is located on the east of the right bank of the Essequibo River". The Venezuelan note claimed that the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela ran "through the middle line of the Essequibo River, beginning from its source and on to its mouth in the Atlantic Ocean".
Activities that were celebrated annually
While in Guyana there are the flag raising ceremony, parade and concerts to commemorate this festival, there are also activities executed in Canada where they are some Guyanese residing. The celebration of Guyana's Independence in Canada is a month-long affair spanning five provinces and involving tens of thousands of Guyanese and Canadians in a truly remarkable way. Guyanese-Canadians come together in a joyous celebration of their heritage while contributing to the richness of Canadian multiculturalism.
The annual Festivities commence in the third week of May with the Guyana Awards Gala followed by the Guyana Heritage Celebrations, and culminate in the Guyana Independence Festival in the penultimate weekend of June.
| The Guyana Awards, initiated in 2000 by Consul General Danny Doobay, recognizes the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations in the Guyanese Canadian community towards the achievement of excellence, promotion and development of Guyana, and the prolongation of Guyanese Heritage and Culture in Canada. The Guyana Awards Council seeks to encourage Guyanese-Canadians to emulate best practices in the areas of leadership, innovation, dedication to community, and commitment to Guyanese heritage. The Award recipients are selected by an independent panel of Judges from scores nominations submitted by the Guyanese-Canadian Community. Done by: Tiffany Griffith |
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