From left H.E. Dr. Patrick I Gomes, and H.E. Ambassador David Thomas Allan Hales.
By Roy Lie Atjam.
To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the Ambassador of the Republic of Guyana to the Kingdom of Belgium and Mission to the European Union,
H.E. Ambassador David Thomas Allan Hales hosted a reception. The celebration was held on Friday, 21 February 2020 at the Embassy of Guyana in Brussels.
The national anthem “Dear Land of Guyana, of Rivers and Plains”, was played, signaling the commencement of the festivities. Scores of Guyanese nationals residing in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg came by to join in the celebration of their country’s 50th Republic Anniversary.
One Guyanese national even came all the way from Dubai in order to take part in the celebrations. H.E. Dr. Patrick I Gomes, African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, Secretary- General – ACP (Dec. 2014 – Feb. 2020) graced the reception by his presence and was presented a token in gratitude for services rendered to Guyana.
The theme of the Guyana Republic Jubilee celebration in Brussels was ‘Guyana Together. Time to Reflect, Celebrate and Transform’. This theme could not be more appropriate given the juncture in history at which Guyana finds itself at the moment.
The guests thoroughly enjoyed genuine Guyanese hospitality, savoured delicious Guyanese cuisine and beverages, including the world-famous El Dorado and XM Rums, mauby, ginger beer, sorrel and a festive ambience.
In Guyana, Republic Day celebration is referred to as Mashramani.
It is an Amerindian word which means celebration after hard work. It is a day where families and friends spend time together watching the different revellers and bands in their vibrant colours.
In his presentation, H.E. Ambassador David T.A. Hales expressed gratitude for the turnout.
It provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the progress achieved as well as the challenges our country and people have endured and overcome over the past 50 years.’
‘More importantly, however, it brings us together at a time of renewed hope and anticipation for a bright, peaceful and prosperous future for Guyana and its people over the next 50 years and beyond,’ the Envoy noted.
Ambassador Hales reminded that the theme for this 50th Anniversary is ‘Guyana Together’ which he explained reflects the common aspiration grounded in our motto ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny.”
Drawing attention to Guyana’s Oil and Gas sector, Ambassador Hales noted that the country is on the threshold of major economic transformation that could result in it becoming the fastest growing economy in the western hemisphere and the envy of the world.
With this newfound wealth, there has never been a better opportunity to build one of the world’s most prosperous societies – one where every citizen can join in Guyana’s unprecedented good fortune – where every community can partake in our extraordinary rise – and where each and every Guyanese, including the cherished diaspora, can sustain the country’s development by making skills, accomplishments and experience available to our dear land.
The event was marked by the playing of traditional folk songs, dancing to recent soca music.
The Brussels Mission, inter alia, fosters Guyana’s economic and social development through garnering multilateral and bilateral technical assistance, while promoting the country as an investment, trade and tourism destination. The Mission also looks at securing export opportunities for traditional and non-traditional products, and pursuing support from the ACP Group of States on the Guyana-Venezuela Border Controversy.
