Guyana celebrates 46th anniversary as a republic

Guyana President says Guyanese must seize the opportunity to work for greater national unity

Guyana is celebrating its 46th anniversary as a Republic on Tuesday with President David Granger acknowledging that the declaration of republican status was “an audacious and ambitious political decision”.

In a message to mark the occasion, Granger said that the move consummated the covenant of Independence that had been earned four years earlier in 1966 and severed the” residual vestiges of Guyana’s dependency on our former colonial rulers.

It allowed us to appoint a Guyanese, of humble origins, the descendant of indentured labourers, as our first President,” he said, adding that the status also “emancipated our new nation from the ignominy of having our final court of appeal located in the country which, for 150 years, had exercised colonial dominion over our citizens”.

But Granger said that Guyanese must seize the opportunity of the anniversary to work for greater national unity.

“We can be one nation only if all sections of our population feel that they are an integral part of and share in our country’s development. National Unity must be pursued at all levels.  We must, in 2016, narrow the differences and divisions between our political parties through the promotion of dialogue and the intensification of political cooperation and consensus-based decision-making.

- Advertisement -

President of the United States, Barack Obama congratulated Guyana on its 46th Republic Day anniversary and has also expressed his satisfaction with the return of long overdue Local Government Elections (LGE).

In a letter sent to President David Granger, the US President said, “The bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two countries have never been stronger, grounded in our shared commitments to citizen security, improved governance, and inclusive democracy.”

He further noted that “These commitments are exemplified in Guyana by the announcement that local government elections will resume and be held in March for the first time since 1994.”

According to President Obama, local elections are essential to bolstering good governance, development, and respect for the rule of law.

More Stories

Audrey Marks, Delano Seiveright

Senators Audrey Marks, Delano Seiveright appointed to ministerial roles

Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness has appointed two newly sworn-in government senators, Audrey Marks and Delano Seiveright, to ministerial positions, reinforcing his Administration’s focus...
Antigua and Barbuda says it will accept nationals deported from the US

Antigua and Barbuda seeks clarification on draft US travel ban proposal

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has formally sought clarification from the United States following reports that the Caribbean nation could be among the...
Andrew Holness

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness hints at election announcement ‘very soon’

Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness has hinted that the countdown to general elections has begun, telling supporters that “every Jamaican will be called upon...
Marco Rubio

US applauds Belize’s democratic elections, pledges continued partnership

The United States has congratulated Prime Minister John Briceño on his re-election, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Belize. In an official statement,...
Mr Justice Andrew Burgess

CCJ to host special sitting for Justice Andrew Burgess’s retirement

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) will hold a Special Sitting on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, to honor the retirement of the Honourable Mr...
cocaine bust Guyanese nationals

Guyanese nationals among six arrested in massive cocaine bust off West Africa

Four Guyanese nationals are among six crew members arrested after authorities discovered 6.3 tonnes of cocaine aboard a Guyana-flagged vessel off the West African...
US travel ban

Saint Lucia and St. Kitts & Nevis respond to reports of US travel ban

The governments of Saint Lucia and St. Kitts & Nevis have responded to media reports suggesting that their nations are included in a draft...
US travel ban

Caribbean nations included on draft US travel ban proposal

According to a report by The New York Times, the Trump administration is considering a new travel ban that would affect several Caribbean nations. The...
NMIA Jamaica Norman Manley International Airport

Fire at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston disrupts flights

Emergency responders worked overnight to contain a fire that broke out in the Club Kingston VIP Departure Lounge at Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA)...
Guyana Government to assist sugar workers

Guyana in diplomatic talks with US over Cuban medical missions sanctions

The Government of Guyana is engaged in diplomatic discussions with the United States to address concerns over the expansion of US restrictions on Cuba’s...

Latest Articles

Skip to content