Guyana celebrated Arrival Day on May 5 with a powerful message of national unity from President Dr. Irfaan Ali. In his official address, President Ali honored the contributions of all the diverse peoples who settled in Guyana – from Indian indentured laborers to African slaves, Portuguese, Chinese, and indigenous communities – declaring that “Diversity is not our weakness – it is our greatest strength.”The statement, coming at a time of heightened political rhetoric, was a deliberate reminder of the “One Guyana” ideal that Ali’s administration has championed.
This year marks 185 years since the first ships brought indentured laborers from India to Guyana (on May 5, 1838), a seminal moment observed as Indian Arrival Day. But President Ali broadened the scope, saying Arrival Day is an occasion to celebrate all ancestors who came and “helped lay the foundation for the Guyana of today”, forging a multiethnic society. He urged citizens to reflect on the struggles and sacrifices of those immigrants – many of whom arrived with nothing – and how they “enriched the country’s national character” through hard work and cultural heritage. Guyana’s tapestry of religions, languages, and traditions, Ali stressed, is a source of pride and resilience rather than division.
The President’s message also carried an implicit rebuke against bigotry. He noted with concern that around the world immigrants are increasingly being “targeted, vilified, and excluded”, and cautioned that such intolerance “should never happen in a multi-cultured Guyana.” He highlighted that Guyana stands as a testament to the positive role immigrants have played in building nations and powering economies “Our ancestors’ spirit and sacrifices continue to propel national development,” Ali said, linking historical perseverance to today’s progress.
The Arrival Day festivities saw cultural programs across the country, from Indian drumming and dances in Berbice to Afro-Guyanese heritage displays in Georgetown, emphasizing the inclusive spirit. At an interfaith service in Anna Regina, religious leaders from Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Indigenous faiths each offered prayers for unity. Echoing the President, speakers noted that Guyana’s harmony requires constant nurturing given its past scars of racial tension.
In his address, President Ali called for a “deeper recommitment” from every Guyanese to the future of unity they wish to build. He challenged communities to break down lingering social barriers and strengthen the bonds of trust between ethnic groups. The government has launched several “One Guyana” initiatives – from inter-community sports to mixed housing schemes – aimed at mixing populations and fostering everyday interaction. Ali pledged to continue policies that ensure all groups share equitably in the country’s economic boom. “Our diversity is our strength,” he reiterated, urging Guyanese to “celebrate our differences while working together as one people with one common destiny.”
