Kaieteur News, February 23, 2017
Today, we reflect also on another February 23, more than 250 years ago, in 1763, when African slaves revolted in Berbice. Their dreams like those of former indentured servants, were to be free from bondage. Their aspirations were for them to be treated with dignity and respect.
When Guyana became a Republic in 1970, we realized these dreams. We celebrate this year with “dignity, liberty and greater unity” – the theme of Mashramani 2017.
Our Republican status has given us an identity, a national personality. As Guyanese republicans we became equal with all other nationalities in the world.
Today, we are proud Guyanese of different ethnicities, living side by side, in a stable democracy. We enjoy, more than any time before, freedom of speech and the right to open dissent. We are not aliens, refugees or illegal migrants. We are free, independent and proud Guyanese citizens! We no longer owe allegiance to any Monarchs or foreign Flags. Our country, the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, is our common home, our Motherland.
Today, I say confidently: a bright new, horizon lies ahead. So, as we celebrate, we must not lose sight of our golden future as a united, Guyanese people.
Happy Republic Day, Guyana! Happy Mashramani!