Culture Central to Nation-Building as Guyana Marks 60 Years of Independence

BY: Staff— Writer

𝙏𝙝𝙚 592 𝙂𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙣.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has underscored the critical role of culture in shaping Guyana’s future, calling on citizens to embrace unity and diversity as the nation prepares to celebrate its 60th Independence Anniversary.

Delivering the feature address at the opening of Guyana Festival 2026 at the National Stadium, Providence, the Head of State described culture as a foundational pillar of national development rather than a peripheral element.
“Culture is not a side attraction of nation-building; it is part of the main story,” President Ali declared. “It gives a society its shared identity, values and sense of belonging.”
Held under the theme “Sound, Soul and Taste,” the festival returns after a 12-year hiatus and forms a key component of the country’s diamond jubilee celebrations.

Unity Through Culture
Reflecting on Guyana’s post-independence journey since 1966, President Ali acknowledged past challenges while urging a renewed commitment to unity, inclusion, and shared national purpose.

“The 60th anniversary of Guyana’s independence is a time for recommitment — to unity, to inclusion, and to the idea of One Guyana, not as a slogan, but as a lived reality,” he said.
He emphasised that Guyana’s rich multicultural heritage — shaped by African, Indian, Indigenous, European, Chinese and Portuguese influences — must serve as a bridge to strengthen cohesion rather than deepen division.
“No nation can progress when its people are divided against themselves,” the President asserted.

Call to Youth
In a direct appeal to young Guyanese, President Ali urged them to reject inherited divisions and take responsibility for building a more unified society.

“You are not responsible for the divisions of the past, but you are responsible for the unity of the future,” he said. “Become the generation that makes One Guyana real in our schools, workplaces and communities.”
He added that the country’s diversity should be viewed as a strategic strength: “You are the generation that can turn diversity into destiny.”

Linking Unity and Development
The President also warned that economic growth without social cohesion could exacerbate inequality and division if not managed inclusively.
“When development is inclusive, unity becomes natural. When development is exclusive, division becomes inevitable,” he said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to equitable development.

Festival Signals Cultural and Tourism Ambitions
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, described the festival’s return as both historic and strategic, positioning it as a key platform to showcase Guyana’s cultural richness to the world.
“Tonight, we open more than a festival. We celebrate identity, heritage, achievement and possibility,” she said.

Rodrigues noted that the initiative aligns with Guyana’s broader push to expand its tourism sector, particularly as global travellers increasingly seek authentic, experience-driven destinations.
“Visitors want connection and immersive experiences — and Guyana has something unique to offer,” she said.

She added that the festival supports local entrepreneurs, artisans and performers, while helping to preserve cultural identity amid rapid national development.
“This is a national statement that Guyana is proud of its people, its culture and its identity,” Rodrigues emphasised.

Celebrating ‘Sound, Soul and Taste’
Over three days, the Guyana Festival will feature cultural villages, culinary exhibitions, performances, storytelling, craft displays and competitions, highlighting the country’s traditions, history and creative talent.