As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, couples across Guyana will exchange gifts, heartfelt words, and expressions of love. This annual tradition, rooted in the Christian feast day honoring Saint Valentine, has evolved into a global celebration of romance and affection. Yet, while we readily show love to those closest to us, today presents an opportunity to reflect on a different kind of love—our love for our country and fellow citizens.
Valentine’s Day is a fitting time to consider how we relate to one another as Guyanese. Increasingly, our public discourse is marred by division, hostility, and bitterness—especially in the political sphere. These tensions erode our sense of national unity and make it more difficult to find common ground. As we express love in our personal lives, let us also reflect on how we can extend that sentiment to the nation we share.
Our country, Guyana, is like a mother to us all, and it is our duty to cherish, protect, and uplift her. Love for our nation should not be confined to patriotic slogans but should be demonstrated in our actions and commitments.
Having gained independence almost 59 years ago, every Guyanese has, at some point, stood before the Golden Arrowhead and pledged allegiance to the nation. With hands placed firmly across our hearts, we have solemnly vowed:
“I pledge myself to honour always the flag of Guyana and to be loyal to my country; to be obedient to the laws of Guyana; to love my fellow citizens and to dedicate my energies towards the happiness and prosperity of Guyana.”
As we move beyond Valentine’s Day, let us revisit this pledge, not just as a recitation of words but as a guide to our actions.
Our flag, the Golden Arrowhead, is more than just a piece of fabric. It is a symbol of our national identity and collective aspirations. When we pledge to “honour always” our flag, we commit to respecting and uplifting our country.
The second promise in our pledge is to remain loyal to Guyana. But what does loyalty mean in practice? It is easy to criticize our country’s shortcomings, but true loyalty demands that we also work to improve them. John F. Kennedy’s famous words—“Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country”—should resonate deeply with us.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to hear Guyanese speak negatively about their homeland or discourage investment and development. This mindset does not serve our collective interest. A nation grows stronger when its people take pride in it and contribute to its progress. Loyalty means championing our country, supporting its development, and fostering unity rather than division.
Obeying the laws of the land is essential for maintaining order, stability, and justice. The rule of law ensures that all citizens are treated equally and held accountable. However, when individuals or groups act as though they are above the law, it undermines national integrity and trust in our institutions.
While laws may not always be perfect, democratic systems provide mechanisms for reform. If a law is unjust, citizens have the right to seek change through legal and democratic processes. However, disregarding the law erodes our social fabric. Our pledge commits us to not only obey the law but also encourage others to do the same, fostering a culture of respect and accountability.
The pledge also calls on us to love our fellow citizens. This is not merely an abstract ideal—it is a commitment to treating each other with dignity, fairness, and compassion. Importantly, we are called to love one another as citizens—acknowledging that we share a common identity and responsibility toward one another.
Finally, we pledge to dedicate our energies to the happiness and prosperity of Guyana. This is not a task for politicians alone—it is a responsibility for every citizen. National development requires effort from all sectors of society, from business leaders and educators to farmers and laborers. Each of us has a role to play in building a better Guyana.
On this Valentine’s Day, as we celebrate love in our personal relationships, let us also reflect on the love we owe our country. Patriotism is not just about words—it is about actions that uplift our nation.
