“Bequeath to future generation much more than we inherited” – President

52nd Independence Anniversary

Guyana’s 52nd Independence Anniversary is being observed with a focus on youths, and President David Granger has stated that much more should be given to the Guyanese children, who are the future of the country.
In his Independence Day address to the nation, the Head of State posited that the country’s fore-parents fought for freedom from colonial rule, but did not get to enjoy the labour of their efforts. To this end, he noted that future generations must get opportunities to enjoy the fruits of their labours.
“Independence has laid the foundation for a more inclusive and democratic society, which will guarantee the good life for the next generation. Independence is the best time to remember that children are our future. We need to bequeath to them much more than we inherited from our own parents,” he stated.
According to President Granger, Guyana’s 52nd Independence anniversary is an occasion for celebration, as it commemorates a departure from past degradation while articulating the nation’s aspiration for present and future generations.
“Independence was not the result of a single event; it was the culmination of three hundred and fifty years of resistance, revolt and struggle against conquest, degradation, enslavement, indentureship and exploitation – the most dehumanising characteristics of European colonial rule,” the Head of State noted.
He went to remind that the ancestors of the Guyanese people – Africans, Amerindians, Chinese, Europeans (including Portuguese), Indians and persons of mixed descent – fought against colonial rule, sacrifices of which their descendants today are the beneficiaries. This, he added, is captured in the National Anthem’s verse: “We are born of their sacrifice, heirs of their pains…”
The Guyanese leader continued that the struggles of ancestors, which were inspired by workers’ agitation, embraced all social classes, and gained political momentum with the introduction of constitutional change and the achievement of universal adult suffrage.
“Independence, once achieved, enabled the elimination of the worst forms of discrimination, the extension of universal primary and secondary education, and the emergence of local economic enterprises, among other changes. Independence ushered in an era of national pride which has buoyed Guyanese society. National symbols such as the national anthem, awards, coinage, flag, institutions, patriotic songs and stamps, helped to define our distinctive identity. Guyana took its place as a sovereign state in the international community,” the President stated.
In reflecting on the events that followed the freedom from colonial rule, President Granger noted that the country’s socio-economic fortunes begun taking a turn that would see development across all spheres.
He mentioned that public education at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels became more accessible with the introduction of new multilateral schools, technical institutes, teachers’ college of education and a university.
With regard to public infrastructure, the Head of State highlighted that the construction of new aerodromes, bridges and highways, and the extension of public utilities and services such as the supply of electricity, housing and water have all enhanced the quality of life for citizens.
He went on to outline that public health services through neighbourhood clinics, local health centres, and regional hospitals improved child care, reduced the incidence of child mortality, non-communicable and vector-borne diseases among the growing population of children.
“Guyana is a bountiful country. We are reminded daily about our potential. We are on the way to establishing a ‘green state’ in which the environment will be better protected, sustainable development of our natural resources will be pursued, cheaper and more abundant energy from renewable sources will be provided, and the well-being of present and future generations will be assured. Guyanese are a beautiful people. We, the children of the continents of Earth – Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe – are on the way to creating a more cohesive society,” he posited.
After 500 years of being a colony to different countries, the last of which was the British, Guyana gained independence from the United Kingdom on May 26, 1966.