The vibrant colours of Guyana swept through Anguilla on Sunday, 24th May 2026, as the Guyanese Association of Anguilla transformed the James Ronald Webster Park Volleyball Court into a lively celebration of heritage, memory and national pride in honour of Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary.
From the rumble of engines during the afternoon motorcade to the emotional singing of folk songs long remembered from childhood, the afternoon unfolded not simply as a formal observance, but as a deeply personal gathering for many Guyanese living away from home — one that also drew curious and supportive members of the Anguillian community into the spirit of the occasion.
The celebration began with a motorcade at 3:00 p.m., winding its way from the park to the Sandy Ground Roundabout before returning to the park. Vehicles decorated in Guyana’s national colours proudly carried the message, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny,” as horns sounded and flags fluttered against the late afternoon sky.
As families gathered following the motorcade, the ceremonial raising of the Golden Arrowhead became one of the defining moments of the evening. Attendees dressed in green, gold, red, black and white stood together as Mr. Jason Benn raised the national flag — a symbol rich in meaning and history. Throughout the ceremony, organisers reflected on the symbolism embedded within the flag itself: green for Guyana’s lush forests and agricultural lands, gold representing mineral wealth and a bright future, red symbolising the zeal and determination of the people, black for endurance, and white for the many rivers and waterways that shape the nation.
The programme intentionally reflected the multicultural fabric of Guyanese society. Interfaith prayers were offered by Ms. Elaine Wilson, Mr. Abdul Alhassan through a recorded Muslim prayer, and Mrs. Deoranie Bharrat with a Hindu blessing. The inclusion of The Shanti Path, a Sanskrit prayer for peace and unity, underscored the evening’s message of togetherness across cultures and faiths.
A moving Prayer of Thanksgiving also invited attendees to pause and reflect on the significance of the milestone anniversary. The prayer gave thanks for sixty years of independence, honoured the sacrifices of past generations who helped build the nation, and asked for wisdom, unity and guidance for Guyana’s future.
Guyana’s Honorary Consul to St. Maarten, Mrs. Kim Lucas-Felix, in her recorded address, reflected on the historic significance of 26th May 1966 — the day Guyana achieved sovereignty — while paying tribute to national leaders such as Dr. Cheddi Jagan and Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham.
However, her message extended beyond history. Speaking directly to members of the diaspora in Anguilla and St. Martin, Lucas-Felix urged Guyanese abroad to remain connected to their roots and ensure younger generations understood the sacrifices and stories that shaped the nation.
She encouraged parents to teach their children Guyanese history and traditions while serving as “patriotic ambassadors” wherever they reside. Her remarks also carried a tone of gratitude toward Anguilla and St. Martin for welcoming the Guyanese community and providing opportunities for families to build their lives abroad.
That sense of gratitude and belonging appeared to resonate strongly throughout the event.
While the official programme featured hymns, the National Anthem, the National Pledge and cultural presentations, it was perhaps the simple moments of shared memory that gave the celebration its emotional heartbeat.
Traditional childhood games quickly drew enthusiastic participation from both the young and the old. Races and games such as Lime and Spoon, Needle and Thread, Hop Scotch, Marbles and Three-Legged Race sparked laughter across the grounds, while older participants reminisced about growing up in Guyana and the games that once filled village yards and school compounds.
Mrs. Deoranie Bharrat later shared that many participants spent the evening exchanging stories about school days, village life and family memories back home. Those recollections blended naturally into spirited performances of folk songs including Small Days is Still on Meh Mind, Lili Gyal, Bamboo Fyah and Aunty Bess.
As voices joined together in song, the celebration became a reaffirmation of identity — a reminder that culture can survive distance and time.
Sixty years after Guyana first raised its Golden Arrowhead as an independent nation, that same flag rose proudly once again in Anguilla — carried by patriotism, memory, community and enduring pride.
