GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Guyana celebrates its 49th anniversary as a Republic today, February 23, with President David Granger urging “national unity.”
“Let us work together to ensure that our country remains secure, our economy is stable and that everyone is safe and could enjoy a good life,” Granger said as he delivered his fourth Republic Anniversary speech to the country.
“Everyone wins when the nation is united,” Granger said, noting that nationals were marking the occasion which is a significant “fulfilment of our people’s aspirations to chart their own destiny by re-fashioning their social and economic relations, introducing new national institutions, affirming sovereignty and advancing towards the goal of self-reliance.”
“The 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic will be celebrated next year. All Guyanese are encouraged to prepare earnestly for this historic event by intensifying our collective efforts towards national unity.”
President Granger said he is confident that Guyanese “are also happy to live in a State that is committed to the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, freedom of the press and respect for fundamental human rights,” and apparent reference to the ongoing political situation in the country where Granger’s coalition government has fallen as a result of a vote of no confidence tabled by the main opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) last December.
The government has since appealed a High Court ruling that the motion, which received the support of a government backbencher, is valid and that elections should be held within 90 days of the motion being tabled and passed.
Prime Minister’s message
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said that Guyana has overcome major setbacks and has now fully joined the community of nations that are free and democratic.
“Our Guyana today remains peaceful, stable and orderly; with a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural population that is striving daily to realize the goal of being one, united Guyanese people, as one nation with a common destiny.
“We cannot return to the past. We must continue along the road of change and transformation,” he said, adding that the country is on the cusp of realizing its economic potentials for unprecedented wealth with the advent of its commercial production of oil next year.
Message from the US
Meanwhile, United States says it recognizes Guyana’s systems of democracy and governance.
“As your government and the people of Guyana assess the future direction of your country, know that the United States recognizes and honors Guyana’s respect for the principles and integrity of democratic governance and institutions,” President Donald Trump wrote ina congratulatory letter to Granger.
While he made no reference to the political situation here, Trump singled out the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country’s role in the Western Hemisphere.
“Guyana is one of the United States’ most important partners in ensuring the Americas remain a zone of democracy, freedom, and security. We look forward to a continuing collaborative partnership going forward, supporting the security and economic interests of both our nations,” he said.
