We owe a debt of gratitude to all who contributed to our independence struggle

May 23, 2026 Letters

Dear Editor,

May 26, 2026 marks 60 years since Guyana gained political Independence after over 150 years of British colonial rule. This is indeed a significant milestone for which we should all be proud.

It is significant to note, however, that the road to Independence was not altogether smooth. There were lots of intrigues, machinations and broken promises and a date was finally fixed by Britain, but only after the PPP was removed from office in 1964 mainly out of geo-strategic and ideological considerations.

Sadly, the first two decades of our post-Independence history can be considered ‘lost’ in terms of the full realisation of our dreams and aspirations as a free and independent people. That period was characterised by undemocratic rule and consequential socio-economic decline which saw our country retrogressed to one of the poorest in the western hemisphere. This was largely due to a rupture of the democratic fabric of the country by the then PNC regime.

I humbly submit that the Guyanese people did not truly enjoy the full essence of our Independence status due to an aberration of the democratic processes by the then PNC regime under the leadership of Forbes Burnham. It was not until the return of democracy on October 5, 1992 that the country experienced significant growth and development.

Central to all of this was the role played by former President Dr. Cheddi Jagan who is widely regarded as the architect of our Independence struggle. And even though he and his party, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) was engineered out of office in 1964, a mere two years prior to the conferral of Independence by Britain, his role in the Independence struggle was nothing short of stellar.

All Guyanese can now celebrate our Independence with the knowledge that Guyana is today ranked globally as a democratic and regional powerhouse, thanks to visionary leadership and sound economic policies by the PPP/C administration. We do have challenges to our sovereignty and territorial integrity by Venezuela but there is a every likelihood that the matter will be determined in our favour by the World Court.

As we celebrate our Independence, we owe a debt of gratitude to all those who contributed to our Independence struggle and also to our current leaders who are working tirelessly to give true meaning to our independence ethos by their visionary leadership. We have undoubtedly come a long way since the turbulent pre-independence days. Indeed, Guyana is now evolving along the path of greater multiculturalism, inclusivity and participatory democracy never seen before in our long and colourful history.

Hydar Ally

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British colonial, Hydar Ally, independence, Letters, PNC

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