Contributions of our ancestors etched in fabric of Guyanese society – PM Phillips in Arrival Day Message

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REMARKS BY THE HONOURABLE PRIME MINISTER BRIGADIER (RET’D) MARK PHILLIPS ON THE OCCASION OF ARRIVAL DAY

Fellow Guyanese,

There’s a quiet strength in remembering where we came from: the names, faces, and stories of sacrifice that built the ground we now stand on. Today, as we commemorate Arrival Day 2025, we reflect on the profound impact on Guyana’s rich history and spirit made by the diverse peoples that make up our country’s heritage.

Guyana’s cultural tapestry – woven from the threads of our Amerindian peoples, Africans, East Indians, Portuguese, Chinese, and Europeans – reflects centuries of resilience, strength, and determination. Though the paths that brought our ancestors here were often difficult, marked by the hardship of slavery and indentureship, they brought with them enduring traditions, values, and a shared hope for a better future.

These contributions are etched in the fabric of our society – from our languages, cuisine, and music to the values of perseverance and hard work that define the Guyanese spirit. Their sacrifices gave rise to a nation grounded in multiculturalism and built on the principles of unity and inclusiveness.

Each group brought with them knowledge, culture, and determination that helped shape the course of our development. Their labour laid the physical and economic foundations of our country, while their values and customs enriched our national identity. Through their efforts, they opened pathways to greater inclusion and participation in the life of the nation. Their legacy continues to inspire us as we work together to build a society rooted in unity, respect, and shared progress.

This occasion is a time for reflection on what unity truly means in a country as diverse as ours. As we pay tribute to our ancestors, let us also recommit ourselves to the ideals they embodied – hard work and dignity. May we recognise that their journey was not in vain. May we honour their legacy with our words and through our continued efforts to build a just, inclusive, and prosperous nation for all.

On this Arrival Day, I extend gratitude to those who came before us and to all citizens who carry forward their legacy through sacrifice and unity.

May we continue to grow together – as one people, one nation, with one destiny.