Flag Days to mark Guyana’s 59th Independence with ceremonies in NYC and Newark

Consul General to New York, Ambassador Michael E. Brotherson, in collaboration with Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, will showcase the beauty of Guyana’s multi-cultural heritage at historic Bowling Green in lower Manhattan, with a flag raising ceremony in observance of the nation’s 59th anniversary of Independence.

The event will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 23.

The vibrant colors of red, gold, green, black, and white that make up the Golden Arrowhead banner and symbolize the nation’s dynamism, mineral wealth, agriculture, endurance, and rivers will showcase the richness of Guyana, with music, dance, and speeches.

Bowling Green is a historic park, and the ceremony is expected to be a significant event showcasing the connection between Guyana and New York City.

According to the committee, Guyana Day USA Inc., New York Chapter, will also host an observance of Guyana’s 58th Independence Anniversary in Richmond Hill, New York.

“A long-standing tradition of diaspora Guyanese celebrating their nation’s historical struggle and achievements, its Independence, will take center stage on the eve of its 58th Independence Anniversary. The event is slated for Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 11 a.m. to noon, at 127- 128th Streets, Liberty Avenue, Richmond Hill,” said Faiuze Ali, president.   

“The organization, which organizes the event annually, will recognize diaspora Guyanese for their achievements and promote Guyana internationally.

They are Captain Berkley Vantull, commander of the 106th  NYC Police Precinct; Akask Singh, internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer; Andrea Bishop, NYC Educator/ activist; Binrowtie Angelini, entrepreneur and business leader; and Sherry Padilla, community activist /organizer.

“This year’s list of honorees reflects diversity, talent, and Guyanese exceptionalism in the diaspora, and whose extraordinary achievements in their respected professional fields speak volumes of the undeniable fact that Guyanese in the diaspora exemplify and demonstrate determination, excellence, and resiliency,” said Ali.

“The honorees are known for their civic and public involvement and are well grounded in the diaspora community, serving as role models and trailblazers in their respective professions, and a beacon of Guyanese pride that shines bright.”

 “It is also a celebration of extraordinary achievement for women who have proven their indispensability to society and unshaken resolve,” said Ali.

Guyana, that gained its freedom on May 26 1966, will be honored by Mayor of the City of Newark, Mayor Ras J. Baraka, the Municipality Council Members, the Office of International Relations and Diaspora Affairs, the City of Newark Caribbean Commission and the Guyana Independence Flag Raising Planning Committee, Newark NJ, will celebrate the historic day, with an evening of culture at a 59th Independence commemoration on May 30, from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

The free and open-to-the-public celebration will be held in the City Hall of Newark Rotunda at 920 Broad St., Newark. Door prizes and Guyanese cuisine will be celebrated at the event.

To learn more, call Commissioner Allyssa King at 607-261-1808.

In Queens, Borough President will be celebrating Guyana’s Independence Day at Queens Borough Hall on Thursday, May 29 from 6 p.m. The event features an evening of  cultural performances, authentic food and honors for exceptional members of the Queens Guyanese community at the Helen Marshall Cultural Center at Queens Borough Hall, 120-55 Queens Blv’d, Kew Gardens, NY. Food will be served at 5:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, the majestic Parliament Building, which houses the National Assembly of Guyana in the capital city of Georgetown, is festooned with national flags and colorful lighting to mark the notable day on May 26.

Across the nation, the stage is set for packed events, starting with the “Flag Days” initiative. The government announced this initiative, which is described as a national, patriotic initiative set to run from May 24 to May 26, Independence Day.

According to an announcement by the government, “Flag Days is more than an event; it is a movement.”

Thousands of national flags will be distributed and displayed at homes, schools, businesses, and public spaces. The effort highlights Guyana’s sovereignty, strength, and shared destiny, affirming the national motto of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.”

The new approach is designed to unite Guyanese from every corner of the nation under the emblem of the Golden Arrowhead flag, said the government, set to generate patriotic momentum leading up to Independence Day on May 26.

Citizens are encouraged to follow updates from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and other official Government channels for more details on local events and how to get involved.