The Alliance For Change extends warm greetings to all Guyanese, those at home and those in the Diaspora, on the occasion of the 55th Anniversary of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. This is an occasion for both celebration and reflection.
Today the Golden Arrowhead will be hoisted and the Mash Bands will take to the streets in colourful displays of our evolution as a nation. In their own manner, Guyanese from all walks of life will celebrate this milestone.
The bold step taken in 1970 to declare Guyana a Republic was not only an assertion of true independence, but moreso a declaration of our intention to rule our destiny. Over the years, we have faced many challenges. On each occasion, the resilience of the Guyanese people has kept our nation strong.
Today our sovereignty over our Essequibo region is threatened by our neighbour to the west. We will face this challenge together. A judicial process to bring final resolution to the border controversy was initiated under the APNU-AFC Coalition government, and we are confident of a legal victory in our favour.
Since the discovery of oil in commercial quantities in 2015, Guyana’s fortunes have seen unprecedented growth, commencing with one of the fastest ramp-ups for a new oil-producing country. This was driven by strong collaboration between the operators, Exxon Mobil and its partners in the Stabroek Block and the Coalition government that provided an enabling environment and the legal platform for the new industry. The global average of nine years for a country to move from discovery to production was reduced by almost half in one of the fastest ramp-ups among oil-producing nations.
Now, as the fastest growing economy globally, Guyana’s future is at a turning point. Will our wealth drive prosperity for the Guyanese people, or will it divide us, resulting in a failed state as the people of other oil wealthy nations have suffered?
As we observe our 55th Anniversary as a Republic, we must resolve that our people will move forward undivided. We must ensure a just and equitable society, where each citizen has the opportunity to a fair share of the national pie; where our young people are challenged and supported to reach beyond their dreams; and where a man’s destiny is defined not by the texture of his hair or colour of his skin. Our future is upon us. Better Must Come!
