23/05/2026
A.O.G ORGANIZATION & ONE GUYANA FESTIVAL
60TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF GUYANA AND THE GUYANESE DIASPORA WORLDWIDE
May 26, 2026
A.O.G ORGANIZATION and ONE GUYANA FESTIVAL proudly extend sincere congratulations and best wishes to all Guyanese citizens in Guyana, across Canada, and throughout the worldwide Guyanese diaspora as we commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Independence of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
On May 26, 1966, Guyana proudly emerged as an independent nation filled with hope, ambition, and dreams of building a united, prosperous, and fair society for all its people. Today, sixty years later, we pause to reflect on our nation’s journey, acknowledge the sacrifices of those who came before us, celebrate the resilience of the Guyanese people, and examine the realities facing our country and citizens both at home and abroad.
This Independence Anniversary is not only a celebration of our nationhood, but also a time for honest reflection, national unity, and renewed commitment to the future of Guyana and its people.
Over the past sixty years, Guyana has been governed under different political administrations. The People’s National Congress (PNC) governed Guyana for 28 years, the APNU+AFC coalition governed for 5 years, and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has governed for 28 years. Throughout these decades, successive governments have made promises of national development, unity, equality, and prosperity for all Guyanese people.
Despite the progress achieved in various sectors and Guyana’s rise as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, many Guyanese citizens continue to face hardships, inequality, economic struggles, lack of opportunities, rising cost of living, and social division. Sixty years after Independence, too many Guyanese still feel excluded from the benefits of the nation’s wealth and development.
As a nation blessed with enormous natural resources, including oil and gas, gold, bauxite, timber, agriculture, and fertile lands, Guyana has the potential to become one of the most prosperous and respected nations in the Caribbean and South America. However, the question many ordinary Guyanese continue to ask is simple: when will every citizen truly benefit equally from the wealth of the nation?
A.O.G ORGANIZATION and ONE GUYANA FESTIVAL firmly believe that Guyana belongs to all Guyanese people — regardless of race, political affiliation, religion, social class, or geographical location. The resources and opportunities of this country must not belong only to a selected few, political associates, friends, favorites, or powerful families. Every Guyanese citizen deserves fairness, equal opportunity, dignity, and inclusion in the nation’s development.
As we mark this historic milestone, we must also recognize that our greatest challenge as a people continues to be division. Political division, racial division, economic inequality, and social mistrust continue to weaken national unity and prevent Guyana from reaching its full potential. For decades, Guyanese people have heard speeches and promises from political leaders, yet many citizens are still waiting to see meaningful action that improves their daily lives.
The people of Guyana deserve more than words. They deserve results. They deserve transparency, accountability, justice, economic opportunities, safer communities, affordable living conditions, better healthcare, stronger education systems, and a future where young people can succeed without feeling forced to migrate overseas for opportunities.
A.O.G ORGANIZATION and ONE GUYANA FESTIVAL call upon all political leaders, civil society organizations, religious leaders, members of the diaspora, youth, and ordinary citizens to work together in the spirit of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.” National unity cannot simply remain a slogan. It must become a reality reflected in government policies, economic opportunities, social programs, and the treatment of all citizens equally and fairly.
We also call on Guyanese citizens everywhere to remain engaged, informed, and active in the democratic process. Leaders are elected to serve the people, and therefore they must remain accountable to the people. Citizens have the right to demand honesty, fairness, responsible governance, and equal distribution of the country’s wealth and resources.
The Guyanese diaspora has also played a critical role in the growth and survival of Guyana over the decades. Through investments, remittances, advocacy, charitable contributions, cultural preservation, and continued support for families back home, the diaspora has remained deeply connected to the development of Guyana. Their voices, contributions, and concerns must continue to be respected and recognized as an important part of the nation’s future.
As Guyana celebrates 60 years of Independence, let this moment become a turning point toward building a stronger, fairer, and more united nation for future generations. Let us move beyond division, political hostility, and inequality. Let us build a Guyana where every citizen, regardless of background or status, can enjoy the benefits of the country’s success and prosperity.
A.O.G ORGANIZATION and ONE GUYANA FESTIVAL remain committed to advocating for unity, inclusion, fairness, equality, accountability, and opportunities for all Guyanese people.
May God continue to bless the Cooperative
Republic of Guyana, guide its leaders with wisdom, and protect all Guyanese people both at home and abroad.
Happy 60th Independence Anniversary, Guyana.
“ONE PEOPLE • ONE NATION • ONE DESTINY”
The Association of Overseas Guyanese Organization (A.O.G) and One Guyana Festiva.
President
Rabindra Haripersaud l