As Guyana ushered in its 55th Anniversary as a Republic, President Irfaan Ali declared that the country is standing safe and strong, while soaring to prosperity.

In his Republic Address at the National Flag Raising Ceremony at Parliament Buildings, the President said Guyana’s greatest achievements are still ahead.

“Our Republic stands today safe and strong. We are a nation soaring to prosperity. Our democracy is robust. Our sovereignty and territorial integrity are being safeguarded.   World class social services are being developed. Life is improving and will continue to do so for every citizen. Our people are better-off. Our greatest achievements are still ahead. The most glorious days of our nation are yet to unfold”, President Ali stated.

Guyana gained its Republic status in 1970, moving away completely from the British Monarchy four years after gaining independence.

55 years later, President Ali said the country continues to face challenges, but as a nation it is important to not just overcome those challenges, but to win.

“We must not only confront the challenges but win, win every day for every single citizen—our country, our Caribbean, and our South America because we recognise in this Republic that we are part of an integrated movement. We are part of the globe in which we are committed to the values of all organisations, and we embrace those values that are embedded in the rule of law, democracy and respect for each other. Those are the values that we must always support, propagate and advance as a nation”, Mr. Ali stated.

He called on Guyanese to embrace the spirit of togetherness, and continue to work “hand in hand, side by side, transcending divisions, to shape a future of opportunity, progress, and harmony for all the people of our beloved Republic”.

The President also paid tribute to the men and women of the Guyana Defence Force who continue to defend the Republic. He highlighted the bravery of the soldiers who recently came under attack during a patrol near the border with Venezuela. Six soldiers were shot by a suspected Venezuelan criminal gang. They all survived.

“Only recently, we have seen the pride, confidence, skill and commitment of our soldiers on our border locations and tonight; I want us to applaud all those who are serving on our borders, those who are keeping us safe and those who are sacrificing time from their own families to ensure that all of us, all of Guyana, remain safe and that our territorial integrity, every inch of the land that belongs to Guyana. Every inch of our exclusive economic zone will and must remain with the people of Guyana, this generation, and all the generations to come”, President Ali said.

The President said his Government is building a Guyana that works for all its people, and one in which prosperity will be achieved for every Guyanese and every family and community. 

The flag raising ceremony was punctuated with a cultural display by a number of artistes and school children and a parade by the joint services.

The parliamentary opposition was not invited to the flag raising ceremony. The Ministry of Culture, which organised the event, apologised after midnight for not inviting the Opposition, while declaring that it was an oversight.

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