–in 56th Republic Anniversary address

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has defined national pride as the compulsory fuel for Guyana’s development, asserting that true patriotism is a sacred trust lived every day rather than a mere slogan.

Addressing the nation at the 56th Republic Anniversary Flag Raising Ceremony at Public Buildings, Brickdam on Sunday, the Guyanese leader said that this pride is the very essence of citizenship and serves as a key pillar of a strong Republic where growth is measured by its impact on every home and village. 

“National pride  is rooted in environmental stewardship where we safeguard our rivers, forests, biodiversity and fields as fiercely as we guard our borders. National pride is about us keeping our environment clean. It is about us presenting the cleanest Guyana, the safest Guyana, the most beautiful Guyana,” he said.

According to the head of state, this pride is a non-negotiable bond that transcends political affiliations and belongs to every individual who calls this land home. He said it is a collective weight that all must carry equally to ensure the “Golden Arrowhead” continues to tower toward a bright and prosperous future.

“As that flag reaches its peak this evening, let it not just be a symbol of where we have been, but  a signal of where we are going,” President Ali urged.

He encouraged citizens to see themselves as the architects of the Republic, with farmers, teachers, nurses, and entrepreneurs all playing vital roles in building the nation higher than ever before.

Guyana officially became a Republic on February 23, 1970, four years after gaining independence from British rule. This transition moved the country away from a constitutional monarchy to a system where a President serves as the Head of State.