Before I begin my remarks, I wish to acknowledge the tragic events of recent days in our homeland following the capsizing of the MV Barima Ferry. Earlier this evening, we observed a moment of silence in honour of those who lost their lives, those who were injured, and all those who have been affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. On behalf of the Government of Guyana and the Consulate General of Guyana in New York, I extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and to all those whose lives have been touched by this tragedy.
Although we gather here in New York this evening, our hearts remain with our fellow Guyanese at home, and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with them during this difficult time. While our hearts remain heavy, it is in moments such as these that we are reminded of the resilience, compassion, and unity that define us as a people. It is in that spirit that I now seekto reflect on the significance of Emancipation Day.
Allow me to take a moment to thank all of you for your presence this evening. I also wish to acknowledge the staff of the Consulate General of Guyana in New York, the Permanent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations and the Medgar Evers College, whose collective efforts have made this evening’s observance possible.
History has taught us that every great movement for freedom begins with an unwavering determination to reclaim dignity, justice and humanity. Such was the story of Emancipation.
For our African ancestors, Emancipation represented far more than the legal abolition of chattel slavery. For them, Emancipation marked the restoration of humanity after centuries of oppression and exploitation.
Torn from their homeland through the transatlantic slave trade, they endured unbelievable suffering, yet they never surrendered their identity or their hope. Whether through open rebellions, such as the Berbice Revolt of 1763 under the leadership of Cuffy, or through the quiet preservation of their faith, language, traditions and culture, their resistance affirmed an enduring truth: that is, the human spirit can never be permanently enslaved.
As I reflect upon this chapter of our history, twoenduring lessons stand out. Those are unity and responsibility. The newly emancipated Africans established the Village Movement, one of the most remarkable expressions of collective self-determination in the post-emancipation Caribbean as exemplified in British Guiana. In this regard, they pooled their resources to purchase villages such as Victoria, Buxton, Golden Grove and Belladrum, creating lasting symbols of self-governance and hope.
Through this movement, they pursued economic independence as landowners, farmers, artisans, entrepreneurs and community leaders, investing in future generations and understanding that freedom carried not only rights, but also the responsibility to leave a stronger legacy for those who would follow.
As Guyana celebrates its Diamond Jubilee this year, commemorating sixty years of Independence, we are reminded that the story of our nation did not begin in 1966. The road to Independence passed through 1838. The resilience, enterprise, and determination demonstrated by our emancipated ancestors laid many of the social and economic foundations upon which an independent Guyana now stand.
Our Diamond Jubilee is therefore not only a celebration of sixty years of Independence, but also a tribute to those whose courage, sacrifice and perseverance helped make that Independence possible. Over the past six decades, Guyana’s greatest strength has never been found solely in its natural resources or economic progress, but in the resilience, diversity and unity of its people.
Standing before you this evening as Guyana’s Consul General, I do so conscious that I stand upon the shoulders of generations whose resilience and sacrifice created opportunities they themselves would never fully enjoy. Their courage opened doors for future generations, including mine. For that, I remain profoundly grateful.
At the same time, I recognise that this is not solely an African story. It is a Guyanese story. It is part of the shared history that has shaped our nation and strengthened the bonds among allour people.
It is for this reason that the Government of Guyana believes the observance of Emancipation must extend beyond remembrance. It must also be reflected in meaningful action that empowers present and future generations.
As such, the Government has implemented targeted initiatives to support organisations representing people of African descent, providing resources for projects in health, agriculture, African history education, cultural preservation, garment construction and community development. To support these initiatives, the Government, the records reveal,has provided funding to several organisations representing people of African descent, reinforcing its commitment to empowerment and community development.
This commitment remains surviving and is further reflected in President Ali’s recent announcement of a new financing initiative, under the soon be launched GuyanaDevelopment Bank, which will provide eligible Guyanese with access to interest-free business loans up to G$3 million.
This initiative has the potential to transform lives by expanding entrepreneurship, creating employment and enabling many young Guyanese, including persons of African descent, to establish and grow their own businesses. It represents another important investment in economic empowerment and inclusive national development.
Guyana’s commitment extends well beyond our national borders. Regionally, we remain a steadfast supporter of the CARICOM Reparations Commission and the Caribbean’s collective call for justice in this regard, and we recognise that the legacies of slavery continue to affect development, opportunity, and social advancement throughout our region. Our pursuit of reparatory justice is not rooted in vengeance, but in truth, justice and the meaningful compensation of historical wrongs.
Internationally, Guyana has consistently used its voice at the United Nations to advance the rights of people of African descent, supporting initiatives that promote remembrance, accountability and equality. It was therefore entirely consistent with our longstanding position that, in March 2026, Guyana proudly voted in favour of the historic resolution, tabled by the Republic of Ghana and adopted by the United Nations General
Assembly, recognising the transatlantic slave trade and the racialised chattel enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity. That vote reaffirmed our unwavering belief that confronting the injustices of the past remain essential to building a more just and equitable future.
Emancipation Day reminds us not only of where we have come from, but also of who we are. It reminds us that our diversity is one of our nation’s greatest strengths. It reminds us that every Guyanese, regardless of ethnicity or background, has contributed to building the nation we proudly celebrate today.
This is the very spirit that underpins the Government’s One Guyana initiative, a national vision that recognises our diversity as a source of strength while ensuring that every citizen could contribute to, and benefit from, Guyana’s development. One Guyana does not diminish our individual histories or identities; rather, it encourages us to honour them while working together in pursuit of a shared future founded on inclusion, respect, equity and national unity.
To our Guyanese Diaspora gathered here this evening, your contribution to our nation’s story cannot be overstated. Although many of you now reside thousands of miles from home, your commitment to Guyana remains evident through your investments, your advocacy, your philanthropy, your cultural preservation and your unwavering support for your families and communities.
You remain ambassadors of Guyana wherever you are. Through your achievements, your service and your enduring connection to your homeland, you continue to strengthen Guyana’s international presence and contribute meaningfully to our national development. As Guyana continues its remarkable transformation, we invite you to remain active partners in this journey. Your knowledge, your expertise and your continued engagement are invaluable assets as together we build a more prosperous, equitable and resilient nation.
As we commemorate one hundred and eighty-eight years of Emancipation, let us remember that the freedoms secured by our ancestors created the opportunities we enjoy today. The greatest tribute we can pay to their sacrifice is not merely to remember their struggles, but to build a
Guyana worthy of their dreams, a Guyana united in purpose, confident in its future, respectful of its history and committed to ensuring that every citizen could succeed.
May we continue to honour the courage of our ancestors through our service to one another and our dedication to building a greater Guyana.
Happy Emancipation Day! Thank you.
