President Dr. Irfaan Ali has declared that Guyana’s Republic stands stronger than ever as the nation celebrated its 56th anniversary, pointing to record-breaking economic growth, expanding global influence, and a firm commitment to democracy and national unity.
As such, the Head of State urged citizens to reflect not only on how far the country has come since severing ties with the colonial monarchy in 1970, but also on how it must move forward together.
“On this, its 56th anniversary, I say without fear of contradiction that our Republic is strong. It is secure. It is prosperous. It is respected. It is democratic,” President Ali declared.
Central to the President’s address was Guyana’s booming economy. He revealed that the country recorded an extraordinary 19.3 per cent economic growth in 2025, describing it as part of a broader pattern of record-breaking expansion over the past five years.
Importantly, he emphasised that growth was broad-based and not limited to the oil and gas sector.
“This, my people, is the picture of an economy that is not just hot, but healthy,” the President said, adding that the country’s economic fundamentals remain solid and are projected to continue through 2026 and beyond.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernise Guyana through digital transformation, promising that every citizen will have the opportunity to participate in the digital economy of the future.
On the international stage, President Ali said Guyana is no longer a “quiet footnote” but a respected voice in global affairs.
He pointed to the country’s leadership in climate action, its role in advancing CARICOM’s regional food security agenda, and its growing recognition as a model for energy security amid mounting global energy challenges.
“Guyana, my friends, is the rising sun in the hemisphere,” he declared, noting that the country now stands in the global spotlight as an example of vision, economic prudence, and good governance.
The President also underscored that the Republic’s strength rests firmly on its democratic foundation.
He described the 2025 General and Regional Elections as a “resounding affirmation” of the people’s sovereign right to choose their leaders.
“We remain a democratic Republic, one where the people’s will is not just respected, but enshrined,” he said. “Our democracy is vibrant, it is alive, and it is the ultimate guardian of our freedom.”
While celebrating the nation’s achievements, President Ali issued a direct call to citizens to embrace and embody national pride.
He argued that national pride must be more than ceremonial patriotism, but a daily commitment to environmental stewardship, shared prosperity, community harmony, and mutual respect.
“National pride is not a slogan shouted on national days, but a sacred trust lived every day,” he said, urging Guyanese to safeguard the country’s rivers, forests, and biodiversity, maintain clean communities, and work collectively to ensure that growth benefits every village and every household.
He stressed that national pride is “non-negotiable” and must be carried equally by all citizens, regardless of political or social differences.
Anchoring his message in faith and shared values, the President called on Guyanese to continue building a society grounded in empathy, compassion, gentleness, and love.
“These are not soft virtues. They are the steel beams of a strong nation,” he said.
As the Golden Arrowhead reached its peak, President Ali urged citizens to see it not only as a symbol of history but as a signal of future promise.
“A Republic of builders. A Republic of achievers. A Republic of one people, one nation, one destiny,” he declared, rallying Guyanese at home and abroad to lift the country even higher in the years ahead.
