Commonwealth_ On Sunday night, President Dr. Irfaan Ali delivered a powerful address to mark Guyana’s 59th Independence Anniversary, focusing heavily on the nation’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and development agenda. Speaking at Albion in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), the President used the opportunity not only to celebrate the country’s independence but also to confront ongoing territorial tensions with neighboring Venezuela.
As midnight approached and the nation officially marked 59 years since achieving independence, President Ali’s speech served as both a celebration of national progress and a warning against external threats. The President strongly reaffirmed Guyana’s claim to the Essequibo region, a territory long disputed by Venezuela, despite a clear demarcation established by the 1899 Arbitral Award. That international ruling had settled the border dispute more than a century ago, but Venezuela continues to lay claim to the area, ignoring the binding legal framework that affirms Guyana’s sovereignty.
The dispute has been brought before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where Guyana is seeking a definitive ruling to reaffirm the border as determined by the 1899 award. Although the legal proceedings are still underway, tensions have escalated due to recent actions taken by Venezuela, including the staging of controversial elections for representatives of the Essequibo region—an act widely condemned and considered provocative. These elections were held within Venezuela’s territory and not within the region itself, which remains under Guyana’s control.
In his speech, President Ali underscored the government’s ongoing dedication to defending Guyana’s land and people from any form of aggression. He emphasized that Guyana’s stance is not rooted in hostility but in protection and that its peaceful nature should never be interpreted as weakness. The reaffirmation of Guyana’s sovereignty came with a broader message about the meaning of independence. According to the President, independence goes beyond political autonomy; it signifies a collective commitment to building a unified, prosperous future regardless of the country’s ethnic, religious, or social diversity.
President Ali also used the national platform to reflect on Guyana’s social and economic progress. He outlined the government’s continued efforts to expand access to quality healthcare and education for all citizens. In highlighting these priorities, he emphasized the importance of equitable development and the goal of ensuring that every Guyanese enjoys the benefits of the country’s growth.
One of the key areas of focus for the current administration is economic development through the empowerment of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The President expressed a clear vision for supporting these businesses, helping them become engines of growth, innovation, and job creation. Efforts will also be directed toward increasing disposable income for citizens, thereby improving quality of life and reducing economic disparities.
Digital transformation remains another top priority. President Ali reiterated his government’s commitment to building a digitally inclusive society. Expanding access to digital services and technologies will be instrumental in enhancing public service delivery, improving business competitiveness, and driving innovation in both urban and rural areas.
President Ali concluded his address with a significant announcement: he set the date for Guyana’s next General and Regional Elections for September 1, 2025. This signals the government’s commitment to democratic processes and provides a clear timeline for political stakeholders and citizens to prepare for the upcoming vote.
As Guyana celebrates its 59th year of independence, the message from President Ali was one of strength, unity, and resilience. With national development progressing and the government standing firm against external threats, the country is poised to enter its 60th year with renewed purpose and determination to protect its sovereignty and uplift its people.
