Reasons for the Independence struggle
Independence is one of the most significant days in this country's
history, a history that must never be erased. And, indeed, today, Guyana celebrates its 37th Independence anniversary. To even understand this day's significance, we have to indulge and engage ourselves into the past to feel the experiences of previous generations, to understand the reasons for the

Independence struggle, and to sustain the gains accrued since 1966.
Former

President Cheddi Jagan asserted that the reasons for the Independence struggle were "...Because life was hard and conditions were abominable.

Sugar was 'King', and British Guiana was called Booker's Guiana, in reference to an expatriate firm which monopolized the political, economic, social and cultural life of the country...Material hardships were linked with the denial of civil and political rights...There was apartheid in the sugar estates, the bauxite town, Mackenzie and on the bauxite river boat R.H. Carr...Our Independence struggle was hard and was complicated by the Cold War. We were clobbered, jailed, detained and restricted. Some of our comrades were tried on treason charges. We were removed from government through force and chicanery on two occasions, 1953 and 1964...As for me, I have no bitterness, no recrimination. "

Sustaining the gains
At the Independence talks in London in 1960, while the People's Progressive Party (PPP) advocated for immediate Independence, the People's National Congress (PNC), at that time, showed little support for severing the bonds with Great Britain. In 1962, to further delay Independence, the PNC conditioned the bestowal of Independence with a change in the electoral system. Despite these initial difficulties, Great Britain granted Independence to Guyana on May 26, 1966.

The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), in a media release of May 23, 2003, defines Independence as

1. creating multiracialism, the basis for sustaining equality of
opportunity

2. upholding the rule of law, an important foundation for providing
security, and

3. enhancing people’s quality of life.
The PNCR noted that without these, Independence represents nothingness.

In addressing these assertions and those of other critics, let’s examine what Guyana has been and is like under the PPP/C Administration over the last decade.

1. The joint Army/Police operations will continue with greater intensity in an effort to impact the crime wave.

2. PPP/C’s Guyana is free, i.e., with political rights and civil liberties, according to the US-based Freedom House Survey.

3. The PPP/C Administration administers Guyana as a parliamentary democracy.

4. Creating a strong macroeconomic environment to facilitate market and economic growth. The economic growth is projected to be 1.2% for 2003. This projected growth rate may not be enough, but it compares well with the CARICOM region and the slow growth in the world economy.

5. Expanding the social services sector to reach all Guyanese. Keep in mind that in 1992 under the PNC regime, eight (8) % of the Budget was allocated to social services compared to budgetary allocations for education which was 17.2% and eight (8)% for Health in 2002.

6. Over 50,000 house lots allocated over the last ten years, and 65 squatter settlements have been regularized. About 10,000 house lots are expected to be allocated this year.

7. Inflation is projected at a mere 5% for 2003.

8. This year’s budget will address poverty reduction. Among the areas include the following: SIMAP III and Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) V will generate $5.7 million for community-based projects, as roads, health, education, drainage and irrigation, etc.; the Amerindian Development Fund of $50 million will be used for agriculture; there will be a $310 million for a textbook program for primary and secondary schools and a $100 million for the school-feeding program; and a youth Choice Initiative Program of $50 million.

The PPP/C Government established good governance to Guyana through following:
1. The PPP/C Government initiated constitutional reforms to the 1980 Constitution.

The PPP/C Government reduced the powers of the Presidency granted by the 1980 Constitution through constitutional reforms.

2. The PPP/C Government encourages and promotes the principles and practices of a multi-party state.

3. Administering free, fair, and transparent National Elections in1997 and 2001, as determined by international observers.

4. Holding Local Government election in 1995, keeping in mind that it was last administered in 1970.

5. Achieving accountability through the Office of the Auditor-General; the Government’s accounts are audited annually.

6. Establishing the Integrity Commission.

7. Using the dialog and constructive engagement with the Opposition

PNCR to promote inclusive governance.

8. Appointing seven new Standing Committees, enabling the Opposition to meaningfully input the legislative process.

9. Reviewing the demarcation and extension of Amerindian Lands.

10. Establishing the Constitutional Commissions, including the Ethnic Relations Commission.

All are involved
The PPP/C’s democratic thrust and gains over the preceding decade has given significance to the word ‘Independence’, and these gains must be consolidated and sustained to benefit all Guyanese.

May 26 is a day of reflection for all Guyanese, at home and abroad.
On this occasion, Independence Day is celebrated at a time when Guyana is filled with many difficult challenges. However, we feel assured that the PPP/C Administration is capable of meeting every test by virtue of the Government’s belief that an evolving national unity in a multiethnic society as Guyana, is born out of an ethnic diversity, guided by dialog and constructive engagement in the body politic. On this most important day in

Guyana’s history, we need to understand that good governance that is a prerequisite for development, requires the contribution of all
Guyanese.