Gala and dinner to mark Guyana’s independence anniversary

By Lincoln DePradine

Irfaan Ali

A representative of the Consulate General of Guyana told The Caribbean Camera on Wednesday that an invitation to the Toronto celebrations has been extended to the Guyana government on sending an official to Toronto, but there’s been “no final word on it or who will be coming’’.

Guyana, which began commercial crude oil drilling in 2019 and is said to be one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, attained its independence from Britain on May 26, 1966.

It changed status, becoming a republic, on February 23, 1970.

“With major investments in energy infrastructure, Guyana is set to become the energy capital of the region, a bastion of regional food security and an industrial powerhouse. The economy is also being diversified with new pillars of growth emerging. Development is raging across our land, while we protect and preserve the environment and the services which our varied ecosystems provide,’’ President Ali said in an address commemorating this year’s 53rd Republic Day anniversary.

“As a Government, we are not averse to constructive criticism. But, we are also aware that there are forces within our midst who are seeking to manufacture divisions and strife in pursuit of their narrow and naked attempt to wrest political power. We are also aware of the naysayers in our midst, whose egos and appetite for attention, brook no restraint,’’ he said.

“They are blind to the reality that through the Natural Resource Fund Act, we are ensuring that the use of our oil resources is prudent, being made more transparent and secure for present and future generations! Their negativity, however, will not retard our efforts to pursue prosperity and progress.’’

The official independence events in Toronto include a May 26 flag-raising ceremony at city hall on Queen’s Street West. After the ceremony, a reception will be hosted by the staff of the Guyana consulate general office at 505 Consumers Road.

The following day, May 27, a “57th Independence Gala & Dinner’’ will be held at Elite Banquet Hall and Convention Centre, 1850 Albion Road, Etobicoke.