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May 31, 2016 Editorial, Features / Columnists
May 26, 2016 marked 50 years since Guyana gained its political independence from Britain. It was at midnight on May 26, 1966, when the Union Jack was lowered for the final time and the Golden Arrowhead was raised with grace for the first time above the newly independent Guyana. It was an historic and significant occasion in that it captured the imagination and spirit of Guyanese far and wide.
It was also a solemn moment as tears streamed down the faces of many because they waited for a long time to release their patriotic feelings. And many became emotional when the National Anthem “Dear Land of Guyana” was played for the first time. Guyanese were proud of their leaders, the late Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham who fought tirelessly for Guyana’s independence.
Based on the lyrics by Abigail James “This is the day the Lord had made,” the tens of thousands who witnessed the raising of the Golden Arrowhead at the National Park on May 26, 1966 would agree that was indeed the day the Lord had made. It was a cool, simmering night in which everyone enjoyed the pageantry and performance of the armed forces; especially the soothing renditions of the national anthem. The people were definitely in good spirits as friends, relatives and even foes greeted one another.
The raising of the Golden Arrowhead fifty years later at the newly built Jubilee Park (former D’Urban Park Race Course) was a euphoric moment for the more than 50,000 present. After more than a decade of turmoil and hopelessness experienced by many, a new day, indeed a new era has dawned on the Cooperative Republic of Guyana as the government honored many for their strength, courage and dedication to nationhood. Guyanese were ecstatic.
The anniversary imbued a feeling of pride, self-confidence, a sense of patriotism and a time for all to unite and live in peace and harmony. It also had a profound impact on the nation as it ended an era of greed, desperation vindictive and corrupt politics and heralded the transformation of a new society in scope and depth. Such transformation is evolving at an exponential rather than at a linear pace.
This jubilee celebration ushered in an era of goodwill in which all must dedicate themselves to overcoming their differences, strive for unity and build a prosperous nation for a better life for all. Since independence, many changes, some for the worse, others for the betterment of the nation have taken place.
As one of the original signatures of CARICOM and a prominent member of the Non-Aligned Movement, Guyana had demonstrated leadership and foresight as it serves this worthy cause to strengthen international and regional integration.
The theme of the Jubilee Celebrations “Celebrate, Reflect and Inspire” has provided Guyanese the opportunity to rejoice on this landmark occasion and to appreciate the nation’s achievements and to work for change towards greater progress in the future.
The process has already begun with the cleaning up of Georgetown and the restoration of its status as the Garden City. Many believe that the change that is about to take place in Guyana will fundamentally alter the way we live, work and relate to one another. The recent introduction of 4-G technology speaks to the changing communication trends that will determine the kind of society that is likely to emerge in Guyana.
While some progress has been made after 50 years, the country has not made the kind of progress that was expected. Education and health care have been in decline, the population is stagnant, illiteracy rate is up, the use of illegal drugs is rampant, and corruption is widespread. Honesty has replaced dishonesty within the political gambit. Today, the talents and skills that were there fifty years ago are no longer available and there is no plan in place to replenish those critical skills needed to develop the economy and move the country forward. But after the celebrations what?
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