60th Independence celebrations: “Never let divisiveness affect us” – Human Service Minister

Students, members of the joint services, cultural groups and residents gathered at the Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) Independence Flag Raising ceremony as Guyana marked its 60th year of Independence with calls for unity, national pride and collective nation building. Delivering the feature address, Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud urged Guyanese to preserve the spirit of togetherness, which she said has helped shape the country over the past six decades. “Our greatest strength is our unity as people,” Persaud declared as she warned against division and social fragmentation. “We must never, ever let divisiveness affect us, whether mentally or as a people,” the Minister told the gathering. The ceremony featured cultural performances by students and community groups which reflects Guyana’s multicultural heritage, while members of the disciplined services participated in the ceremonial raising of the Golden Arrowhead. Persaud said the programme showcased “a bigger Guyana” and reflected the vision of “One Guyana” being promoted nationally.

Reflecting on Guyana’s journey since Independence in 1966, the Minister said the country has evolved into a nation of opportunity and development. “No longer are we a small country in South America that’s forgotten. We are a powerhouse of development, a powerhouse of opportunity and a land of equality,” she stated.
The Minister also used the occasion to encourage residents, particularly young people, to take advantage of opportunities now available through expanded education, infrastructure and social programmes. “Utilise the opportunities that are now, that those who came before you did not have, the opportunities of free education from nursery to tertiary, the opportunities for women to take their seat at every table and to lead,” she said. Persaud said Guyanese must continue building the country by investing in national pride, compassion and mutual respect. “To build a land, we must build ourselves,” she said, while urging parents to teach children leadership, equality and respect for others. She noted that Guyana’s diversity remains one of its defining strengths and said the country continues to serve as an example of people from different backgrounds living and working together. “We stand as a model to the rest of the world because we have six peoples and with six peoples comes diverse culture, faith and traditions,” Persaud said.
As Guyana celebrates its Diamond Jubilee, the Minister urged citizens to honour the sacrifices of previous generations while ensuring future generations continue to build a united and prosperous country. “We will continue a legacy of development. We will continue a legacy of pride. And we will definitely be united in all of this,” she told the audience. Guyana celebrated its 60th Independence anniversary on May 26 under the theme: “Expressing our Culture and Creativity as One Guyana.”