Guyana: National Flag Issues at Guyana’s Independence Anniversary Ceremony

During the 60th Independence Anniversary celebration of Guyana, held on Fort Island in the Essequibo River, an issue arose with the hoisting of the national flag. The ceremony took place at midnight, shortly after President Irfaan Ali made statements regarding the territorial claim of Essequibo, asserting that it belongs to Guyana and has never been part of Venezuela or Spain.

In attendance were notable figures including Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, and former St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. Despite multiple attempts by soldiers from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to raise the large Golden Arrowhead flag, it remained stuck below half-staff for over 30 minutes.

During this time, President Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, and other dignitaries, including diplomats and government ministers, observed as the soldiers worked to untangle the halyard. When it became clear that the issue could not be resolved quickly, a shorter flagpole was brought in to hoist a smaller version of the national flag. This occurred at 12:43 a.m., following a display of fireworks that illuminated the area.

In his address, President Ali reiterated Guyana’s position regarding its territorial integrity, specifically referencing Venezuela’s non-compliance with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) orders. He expressed confidence in Guyana’s legal standing concerning the 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award and stated that the country would defend itself against any aggression. He acknowledged the support from various international partners, including the United States and CARICOM, in affirming Guyana’s sovereignty.

Source: demerarawaves.com

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