Guyanese pride on display at Essequibo dawn flag-raising ceremony

As dawn broke over the Essequibo Coast, hundreds of Guyanese gathered at the Anna Regina Car Park, Supenaam, and Charity on Sunday morning to commemorate the nation’s 59th Independence Anniversary with a vibrant and patriotic flag-raising ceremony.

The event featured a rich cultural programme, showcasing national pride through poetry, dance, calypso, and renditions of national songs. Dressed in matching T-shirts, attendees waved flags proudly as the Golden Arrowhead soared into the morning sky.
Delivering the feature address was Local Government and Regional Development Minister Sonia Parag, who paid tribute to the struggles of Guyana’s foreparents in securing the country’s independence from colonial rule in 1966.
“We are gathered for our 59th Independence Anniversary, which means that 59 years ago – and before then – Guyanese fought and struggled for their freedom… Today, we’re not going to stand and allow any country or any external force to take that independence from us – for all the 83,000 square miles that belong to Guyana,” Minister Parag declared.
She reaffirmed Guyana’s sovereignty stating, “It doesn’t belong to Venezuela. It belongs to Guyanese and Guyana.”
Minister Parag also referenced the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling, urging Venezuela to refrain from any actions within Guyana’s lawfully administered territory.
Reflecting on the infrastructure upgrades across Region Two, she added that the community’s growth was visible, citing packed motels during events, and improvements in schools and hospitals.
Minister Parag also underscored the importance of national unity by reminding citizens that their identity transcends ethnic labels. She emphasised that regardless of heritage – be it Indo-Guyanese, Afro-Guyanese, Amerindian, Portuguese, or British – what binds everyone together is their common nationality as Guyanese.
A formal inspection of the Guard of Honour was conducted by Minister Parag, Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva, Vice Chairman Humace Oodit, Regional Executive Officer Susana Saywack, and Prime Minister’s Representative, Arnold Adams.