Opening Ceremony for the Guyana Festival 2026 | 05-15-2026

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[00:00:27]We remain standing for the national anthem of Guyana.

[00:01:21]Please be seated as we now invite the ancestral wisdom of our indigenous peoples and the Wii Chan Crowdar Culture Group from the deep south will lead us in an invocation.

[00:02:00]Huh?

[00:02:18]>> [screaming] >> Wash that.

[00:02:27]Amen.

[00:02:31][screaming] Show noise. [screaming] cracker.

[00:02:48][screaming] Sir, what can I not [screaming] sir? S >> [screaming] >> Rocket [screaming] Z [screaming] [screaming] out.

[00:03:54][screaming] Oh, >> this is homecoming, >> 60th independence jubilee.

[00:04:14]We'd like to acknowledge Wapy Chan, Elder, Uncle Barney at 74 years of o of age and perhaps our youngest participant for the opening ceremony, little Angelie at 4 years of age. Could we give them a round of applause everyone? They gave to us a beautiful spiritual honorable prime minister of brigadier retired Mark.

[00:04:49]Honorable Minister Ashni Singh, Honorable Minister of Industry, Tourism Industry and Commerce Suzanne Rodriguez and other members of the cabinet, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of the joint services, honorable speaker of the National Assembly, Manzour Nadair, and our brothers and sisters from all 10 regions of Guyana. Can we give ourselves a round of applause? It's beautiful seeing all of you this evening as well.

[00:05:25]Homecoming. This is one of the highlight events for our 60th Independence Jubilee. If you're happy to be here tonight, let me hear you make some noise.

[00:05:37]>> All right, that was a warm up. So, let's do this better. If you're proud to be GY and proud to be here at the Ghana Festival, let me hear you make some noise.

[00:05:48]And you have your flags and we'll encourage you to wave those flags throughout this evening because this is going to be a program with a difference.

[00:05:58]Already it started with a difference with that beautiful parade of nations just now as they came in. And this is what this weekend is about. Our people, our music, our culture, our cuisine as we proudly celebrate 60day. And the icing on the cake is that someone can drive away after this weekend with a >> BYD. I mean, everything is electrical electric right now. So, everyone is all the hype about BYD. I mean, I hope that I can win it and we hope that you have your passports because this is three nights, one nation, and one unforgettable experience. So, if you are still thinking about getting your passports at any of the entrances and of course there's a long list, you can check out the Ghana Festival Facebook page as you can see all the areas or locations that you can uplift one of those passports and be a lucky winner of a BYD one pro.

[00:06:55]>> I think there's a competition between the BYD and the vintage cars. Persons are saying, "Are the vintage cars up for sale?" Well, not sale, but up for grabs as well. Well, we can promise you more than the BYD. We've got tickets, compliments of Cariban Airlines, and so much more. So, we're going to tell you that as we go through this evening, but we do want to encourage you to sit back, relax, enjoy. We've got a rich cultural program in store for you. For those who are now coming in, we welcome you down to the National Stadium. Of course, this is the second edition of the Guyana Festival. You would recall that it was under our president who was then the minister of tourism back in 2014 when we had the first Guyana festival. And so we are delighted that we can come back here tonight and for the entire weekend as we countdown to our independence anniversary.

[00:07:47]>> Yeah. So it's definitely back and it's bigger than ever. And I'd like to use this opportunity as well to thank our sponsors. We have some corporate sponsors as well as government agencies.

[00:07:56]So we want to say a little shout out to AGM Inc. one of our gold sponsors oro Services Inc. Silver sponsor Ana McCall Banks Limited Courts Star Party Rental Limacall Caribbean Airlines BYYD of course and Marb.

[00:08:14]>> To all of our sponsors, we thank you very much for making this weekend possible. Well, wave your flags again everybody because coming up next we have in store for you a creative change maker in that of Cassie Adams and she's going to be accompanied by the National Dance Company and she will give us a rendition of Karissa Couchman's Welcome to Guyana.

[00:08:35]>> Make some noise for Cassie.

[00:09:00]Welcome to [music] land of many waters. A place of cultures.

[00:09:07]You got to see it for yourself.

[00:09:10]Rainforest untouched but I can't [music] let me hear you sing with me. Oh Guana we [music and singing] are one because we are leaders who came here prepared to miss the golden arrowhead. Oh Guana [music] we are one people nation one destiny is how [singing and music] we'll be a golden arrowhead. You got to see it for yourself.

[00:09:42]Golden now rice tasty pepper. [music] [music] It is a world.

[00:10:03]Let me hear you sing with me. Ohana [music] we are powerful because we are leaders who came here [singing] prepared to raise the golden arrowhead. Ohana, [singing and music] we are one people, one nation, one destiny is our will be.

[00:10:21]You got to read it for yourself and raise the arrow [singing] head.

[00:10:32][music] If you know it, then join the trend and sing with me. Oh [music] Gana, we are powerful because [singing] we are leaders who came here prepared to raise the golden arrow head. Oh [music] Gana, we are one people, one nation, one destiny [singing] is how we'll be. You got to see it for yourself and the golden arrowhead.

[00:11:02][singing] [music] Welcome to Guyana.

[00:11:11]Land of many waters, a place of blended cultures. [singing] You got to see it for yourself. Pristine rainforest [music] untouched, but I cannot.

[00:11:23]Guyana is [music] the best. Let me hear you sing with me. Ohana, [singing] [music] we are wonderful because we are leaders who came here prepared to with the golden arrowhead. Oh, [singing and music] we are one people, one nation, one destiny is how we'll be.

[00:11:44][music] You got to see it for yourself.

[00:11:46]I'm crazy. Golden arrow heading golden arrowhead.

[00:11:55]Oh, we love [music] your blood.

[00:12:01]Golden arrow head.

[00:12:07]We love [singing and music] you.

[00:12:10]Golden.

[00:12:12][screaming] Come on. I know we can do better than that. Let's make some noise.

[00:12:24]So that was Cassie Adams and she was accompanied by the National Dance Company. Her dress was beautifi be beautifully designed by one of our gy creatives, Roberto Tika. And of course, there's lots of designs that you'll be able to see here, Michella. Of course, there's an exhibition. So, aside from the stage performances, we encourage you to check out the exhibition. So, tell us a little bit about what's in store.

[00:12:48]>> Well, I'll invite everyone to just observe the space for a a quick second.

[00:12:54]Across on your left, which is my right, you can see three big tents. In each of those tents, we have amazing activities throughout the weekend. In the first tent, you will be able to go there and learn more and experience the traditions, the contributions, the artifacts of our African brothers and sisters, our Portuguese and our Europeans. In the second tent, you can find the East Indians and the Chinese.

[00:13:23]And in the third tent, our Amarindian brothers and sisters, there's a historical walk and the movie theater there. And at our exactly behind us, we have the creative arts tent where there's going to be a fascinating display of our arts. Of course, Guyana is known for our creative arts. So, drama, poetry, we've got comedy, and more happening from as early as this evening and throughout the weekend. And of course, the Guyana Festival is the sound. It's the soul and the taste of Guyana. So, if you truly want to experience Ghana, we encourage you to come down to the National Stadium. As Michella said, this is just night one and this is only the beginning of a fantastic weekend. Of course, tomorrow there's going to be the night of legends. So, if you want to see our true gy legends, I know I'm definitely going to be here front row for Charmin Blackman, one of my favorite favorite all-time favorite gy artists. So, we invite you to come down and don't forget to pick up those passports. So, at this time, I would like to invite our honorable Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Honorable Suzanne Rodriguez, as she delivers remarks. And of course, you have your golden arrow heads in your hand. be sure to wave them and because we are proud Gy and we want everyone around the world to know that this is Guyana and this is homecoming.

[00:14:49]So we are here at the Guyana Festival.

[00:14:51]So let's make some noise as our honorable minister of tourism, Industry and Commerce makes her way to the stage to deliver remarks at this Guyana Festival opening cere ceremony.

[00:15:14]Your Excellency, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Dr. Muhammad Fanali, Her Excellency, First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali, Honorable Prime Minister, Brigadier Mark Phillips, members of the cabinet, Speaker of the National Assembly, members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, Chancellor, the Honorable Madame Justice Roxan George Wilshire, and other members of the judiciary.

[00:15:56]Chief of Defense Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, Commissioner of Police and other heads of the Joint Service, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, and all other permanent secretaries, heads of agencies, representatives of the tourism, business and creative sectors, our talented cultural performers, vendors, and exhibitors. ers, members of the media, my fellow gy here and in the diaspora, children, visitors, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Guyana Festival 2026.

[00:16:43]Tonight we open more than a festival.

[00:16:48]We come together for a national celebration of identity, heritage, achievement, and possibilities.

[00:16:59]This evening marks a truly historic moment for our country. After 12 years, the Guyana Festival has returned under the theme sound, soul, and taste.

[00:17:14]The Guyana Festival occurs during a period of unprecedented transformation in Guyana.

[00:17:21]A period in which our country is attracting global attention, expanding economically, strengthening internationally, and redefining its place in the world.

[00:17:35]But even as Guyana grows and modernizes, there is something we must never lose sight of.

[00:17:43]who we are as a people.

[00:17:46]That is why this festival matters.

[00:17:50]This festival is about identity, national pride and preserving and celebrating everything that defines us as Gy.

[00:18:02]More importantly, this festival represents vision and a deep desire.

[00:18:10]A vision of his excellency Dr. Muhammad Eranali during his tenure as Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce with a clear objective to create a national event capable of showcasing the very best of Guyana while positioning our country as a leading cultural and tourism destination in the region and a desire to bring our people closer together through culture and tradition.

[00:18:44]The vision was strategic.

[00:18:46]It recognized that tourism is not only about landscapes and attractions.

[00:18:53]Tourism is about people, culture, experiences, and identity.

[00:18:59]It recognized that Guyana's diversity is one of our greatest strengths. And it recognized that culture has economic value.

[00:19:11]This is more than a festival. This is a national statement. A declaration that Guyana is proud of its people, its culture, and its identity.

[00:19:23]And at the center of this initiative is a very clear message to Gy everywhere.

[00:19:29]Guyana is transforming.

[00:19:32]For many gy abroad, Guyana is still the place that shaped their values, their memories, and their identity. This festival creates an opportunity for our diaspora to reconnect not only with family and friends, but with a nation that is entering a new era of growth and possibility.

[00:19:57]At the same time, Guyana Festival is also a direct invitation to the international community, to travelers, investors, cultural explorers, and the global tourism industry.

[00:20:10]We are inviting the world to come and experience Guyana. And increasingly, the world is responding.

[00:20:18]In 2025, Guyana recorded its highest ever visitor arrivals, welcoming more than 4 153,000 visitors, a 22% increase over the previous year.

[00:20:34]That momentum has continued strongly in 2026.

[00:20:38]Last week, we announced recordbreaking visitor arrivals for March 2026 with Guyana welcoming almost 40,000 visitors during that month alone, a 13.3% increase over the same period last year.

[00:20:55]Those numbers are significant because they reflect growing international confidence in destination Guyana.

[00:21:05]They reflect confidence in our tourism product, our infrastructure, our hospitality sector, and the future of Guyana.

[00:21:14]International recognition continues to follow. Global publications including Bloomberg, Time magazine, and the New York Times have all highlighted Guyana as one of the world's emerging tourism destinations.

[00:21:30]Even the Cheddy Jagen International Airport was recognized as the premier aviation hub in the Caribbean.

[00:21:38]This recognition reflects the improvements being made to service standards, infrastructure, and visitor experience, reinforcing Guyana's growing reputation for quality, efficiency, and service excellence.

[00:21:56]These developments are not incidental.

[00:22:00]They are the result of deliberate investments, strategic planning, and strong leadership aimed at positioning Guyana as a premier destination defined by authenticity, sustainability, and meaningful experiences.

[00:22:18]And events like the Guyana Festival are central to that strategy. Because tourism today is experienced driven.

[00:22:27]Visitors are seeking destinations with authenticity and stories. They want immersive experiences. They want connection. And Guyana has something unique to offer the world. Over the next three days, this stadium will become a national showcase of Gyane culture, creativity, and talent. Visitors will experience heritage villages, cultural showcases and live demonstrations highlighting the traditions of our people from African head wrapping and tibisseri craft to sari rapping, pottery, traditional arts and craft, drama, poetry and storytelling.

[00:23:09]We welcome the addition of the amusement park for the enjoyment of the children.

[00:23:15]The cultural zone and culinary village will showcase the traditions of Guyana's six people through music, dance, fashion, and cuisine.

[00:23:26]The Taste of Guyana Culinary Village will offer authentic dishes representing the rich culinary traditions that make Gy cuisine so unique. and nightly entertainment will feature major experiences including the night of legends, the one Guyana concert, and the national cookout competition.

[00:23:47]Tourism once defined under leadership in the 1980s as parasitic, now under the People's Progressive Party, Civic, has a clear purpose.

[00:24:03]It must benefit people and communities.

[00:24:08]From the city to the savylvanas to the rainforests, wherever our people reside, tourism must create opportunities for their livelihoods and preservation of their identity.

[00:24:24]And this festival, like all of the other events, was designed to create opportunities for entrepreneurs, artisans, performers, creatives, and small businesses.

[00:24:39]As Guyana develops rapidly, preserving our culture and national identity becomes even more critical.

[00:24:49]Development cannot be measured in roads, buildings, and economic growth.

[00:24:57]It must also be measured in how well we preserve our heritage, support our creatives, and strengthen national pride. This has been a mantra of President Ali. Tonight, the Guyana Festival demonstrates that Guyana is rising not only economically, but culturally and creatively as well.

[00:25:21]I'd like to thank some people in closing who have worked tirelessly to make this event possible. the ministries of culture, youth and sport, education, Amarindian affairs, local government and regional development, health, agriculture and many more. I'd like to acknowledge Minister Vindia Prasad for personally choreographing the Indian segment of the opening ceremony and contributing to the setup of the Indian village. She stayed with me until midnight last night to ensure that everything was working and perfect for tonight's opening ceremony. And this collaboration here at the Guyana Festival just really demonstrates the mission of of President Ali to demonstrate our oneness, how we come together as a family, as a government to en ensure that everything that we do, we execute it together and for the benefit and enjoyment of all our people.

[00:26:22]I'd like to thank other government agencies, the Ghana Fire Service, the Ghana Police Force, GPL, GWI, Ghana Defense Force. I would also like to express my gratitude to our private sector partners, including Impressions and Star Party Rentals, and all the men and women who spent sleepless days and nights on the ground to prepare this venue. Special thanks to all the cultural groups and performers from across the country who responded to the national call, especially those groups who came from other regions. To the organizing committee and the entire Mintic family, our generous corporate sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, and partners, thank you for your hard work and support. Your commitment has helped to bring this important national initiative back to life. To our daspora family, welcome home. To our visitors, welcome to Guyana.

[00:27:22]And to every Gy, I encourage you to take pride in this moment and in your country. The Guyana Festival is back and its return signals a country embracing its identity, showcasing its culture, and confidently stepping onto the world stage. Happy 60th, Guyana. Thank you very much and enjoy the festival.

[00:27:51]>> Thank you very much, Minister Suzanne Rodriguez, Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce. And you know, essentially what Minister was saying just now is what we we've heard over 60 years. One one >> they're not ready for it, Michella.

[00:28:10]Let's try that again.

[00:28:12]one. Okay. So, minister said that so many people came together to make this weekend a success, right? And I know you couldn't come up in a gy household if you didn't hear those words. One one dirty sounding good.

[00:28:27]>> Sounding sounding good.

[00:28:28]>> If you now been come Oh, man. I am so proud of them. All right. So, we continue with the opening ceremony this evening. As minister said, there is so much in store, not just tonight, but tomorrow, all tomorrow and all of Sunday, but for those persons with those passports and they want to know, well, what are the prizes up for grabs tonight?

[00:28:50]>> Yeah. So, tonight, Friday, May 15, up for grabs. So, you have to ensure that you have your passport. We've been pushing the passports. It's available at all the entrances here and the drop off boxes are also at the entrances at the national stadium here. So, for tonight, we'll be doing a draw for one Uncto Bold phone. Uh, this also comes with one month's data plan from Enet, a dinner for two at Amichi. Everybody likes Amichi.

[00:29:21]Oh, I hear somebody say yes. Right on the stage. Uh, we one Google TV from Courts Guyana and also two Caribbean Airlines return tickets. So, it's a lot up for grabs on just night one of the Guyana Festival. So ensure that you get your passport. It looks a little something like this. It looks like an actual passport. And once you go into the passport, all your vouchers and coupons are there. You fill up your details, your first name, your last name, email address, and telephone number and drop it into the boxes provided so that you can perhaps walk away tonight with the UNECTO phone.

[00:29:56]>> You like UNCTO?

[00:29:58]>> I like everything that you just called there, man. But the BYD is what everybody is talking about. Yes. So they said they come in tonight to buy the passport. They come in tomorrow again to buy another set of passports. And then on Sunday they are tripling their chances of winning. For $5,000 you can buy you can get a car valued how much?

[00:30:17]>> $5.5 million.

[00:30:19]>> So it's not too late everybody. If you haven't gotten a passport as yet, you be sure to pick up those passports. It's there's a tent just at the entrance and you can get your Ghana Festival passports. that allows you entry into all of the events that we have mentioned. But now we continue with our program and already there is so much of richness in terms of our culture, but also as we celebrate 60 years, we know that Guyana has stood proud, sovereign, and free, a nation that was built on courage and discipline. And so we now present to you and we do so as we pay tribute to the men and women in uniform whose service, whose sacrifice, and whose contribution and dedication continue to safeguard our nation. Now, prepare yourselves for a stirring display of pageantry and patriotic pride.

[00:31:14]>> Yes. Let's put our hands together as we welcome Center Stage, the Joint Services Band for the Military Band Display.

[00:31:49]Heat.

[00:32:05][music] Heat.

[00:32:12][music] Heat.

[00:32:18][music] [music] Heat.

[00:32:31][music] >> [music] [music] >> Black.

[00:32:55][music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat.

[00:33:26]>> [music] [music] [music] >> Heat.

[00:33:43][music] Heat.

[00:33:50]Heat.

[00:33:53][music] [music] Heat.

[00:34:10][music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat.

[00:34:33][music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat.

[00:34:53][music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat.

[00:35:05][music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat.

[00:35:51]Heat.

[00:35:56][music] Heat.

[00:36:02][music] [music] Heat.

[00:36:13][music] Heat.

[00:36:22][music] [music] Heat. [music] Heat.

[00:36:48][music] [music] Heat.

[00:37:00][music] Oh my god.

[00:37:11][music] Heat. Heat.

[00:37:39][music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat.

[00:38:01][music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat.

[00:38:23][music] Heat [music] [music] up [music] here. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat.

[00:39:14]Heat.

[00:39:20]Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat.

[00:39:37][music] [music] [music] Heat.

[00:39:56][music] Heat.

[00:40:03]Heat. [music] Heat. Heat.

[00:40:23][music] of applause for that by the members of the joint services with that fantastic military display, military band display.

[00:41:30]And I know that for those of us seated or those of you seated in the audience, you may have missed that wonderful formation of 60 that those online are just, you know, in awe of their precision. So again, another round of applause as we salute our men and women in uniform and sung them for their service. Of course, the band was under the leadership of Senior Sergeant Leon Young, drum major, Latutenant Colonel Corporal, sorry, Joel Abrams, leader of the police band superintendent Matthew Joseph, Deputy Superintendent Michelle Major, Assistant Superintendent Murray Rodney, and Drum Major Corporal Delisa Plus. Let's give her big round of applause for our men and women in uniform.

[00:42:17]Those of you who came for the opening ceremony and then you say, "Well, it's Friday night. I'm going to spend a couple of hours here at the National Stadium." We've got some good gy movies in store for you. We're going to throw back the years, make it all nostalgic.

[00:42:31]What's coming up tonight in terms of the movie theater?

[00:42:34]>> Yes. So, tonight at the Elorado Theater, uh they're going to be doing Till I Till I Find a Place and there are several other movies. Uh the schedule will be posted on the Ghana Festival Facebook page and across social media. So be sure to check that out. And of course this evening as well as the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce in collaboration with the Gemtager Productions, they present [snorts] Reflections Guyana at 60. This is written by Jem Madu Nasimento and directed by Russell Lancaster. This comes your way just at about 8:00 p.m.

[00:43:05]It's a drama, Reflections at 60. An educational and historic play. So, be sure to check that out as well.

[00:43:13]>> We do encourage our school children, our young people, all of you. Let's participate in as many of the activities that's on offer this weekend. Ladies and gentlemen, our Diamond Jubilee celebration is certainly a good opportunity to remind us of how far Guyana has come. From humble beginnings of a nation, rising confidently on the world stage. A nation that's now powered by unity, strengthened by the diversity that we are enjoying and seeing before our eyes tonight and across our 10 regions. So ladies and gentlemen, I now invite you to please stand as we warmly welcome his excellency the president of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Dr. Muhammad Eran Ali to deliver the feature presentation at the opening ceremony of Guyana Festival 2026 hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce as we celebrate 60 years of independence.

[00:44:19]>> [music] [music] [music] >> Thank you. Thank you very much. Please have your seats. Thank you.

[00:44:46]>> Our dear Prime Minister the speaker of the national assembly, >> members of cabinet, members of the diplomatic community, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I want to thank the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce for the fine work it has done in arranging the Guyana Festival 2026.

[00:45:13]I know it took a lot of planning, a lot of hard work and a lot of prayers also to pull off this event.

[00:45:22]>> But when you consider what Guyana Festival represents, I'm sure you will [clears throat] agree it is worth it.

[00:45:31]>> I was asked to speak on the theme of song, soul, and taste.

[00:45:37]And this is excellent because in Guyana even our arguments sometimes come with rhythm, seasoning, and a little extra spice.

[00:45:48]The Guyana Festival is one of the many activities held to commemorate Guyana's 60th independence anniversary.

[00:45:58]60 years ago, our flag, the golden arrow head, was raised for the first time.

[00:46:05]When Guyana became an independent nation, that moment did not only change our country's political status.

[00:46:13]More importantly, it represented the beginning of a new journey as one people, one nation. And with one destiny in mind, 60 years onwards, the journey continues.

[00:46:30]It has not been a perfect journey. We have had up our setbacks and our pains, but recall May 26, 1966 as an important date in our country's history. Because it was when it was then that we declared that we would no longer be defined by colonial rule, >> but by our national identity.

[00:46:57]Despite our cultural diversity, we would be giving a united nation. The 60th anniversary of Guyana's independence is therefore a time for recommmitment, a recommmitment to unity, a recommmitment to inclusion, a recommmitment to the idea of one guy, not as a slogan, but as a live reality.

[00:47:27]The next four plus years of my presidency will be dedicated to finding the soul of our country.

[00:47:40]Building upon the soul of our country.

[00:47:43]The soul that is defined by love, faith and unity.

[00:47:48]A soul in which all of us find a place.

[00:47:54]A place in which we are comfortable.

[00:47:58]A place in which we exercise patience, hope and faith. And a place in which Guyana, our home, is a place we will always celebrate.

[00:48:12]If there is one defining feature of Guyana, it is our cultural diversity.

[00:48:18]>> I would like to say that is our greatest asset.

[00:48:21]We are a people shaped by many histories, >> many journeys, many cultures and many traditions.

[00:48:30]>> African, Indian, indigenous, European, Chinese, Portuguese.

[00:48:36]Each group brought with it pain, resilience, creativity, and culture. And yet for too long under colonial rule that diversity was not allowed to blossom into unity.

[00:48:51]>> Instead [clears throat] it was massaged and manipulated to keep our people divided.

[00:49:00]Colonial rule engineered division >> deliberately so. It constructed social hierarchies encouraged competition for scarce resources. an embedded mistrust where corporation should have flourished.

[00:49:17]Colonialism did not leave us divided by accident. It left us divided by design.

[00:49:25]Division allow us to be dominated, ruled and controlled.

[00:49:30]But independence liberated us from that state. We are no longer bound by that design.

[00:49:38]60 years after independence, we are called to complete the work that was started in 1966.

[00:49:46]We are called to heal a nation. And as part of that healing process, we must ask ourselves, what does it mean to be independent? If you're still if you're still imprisoned by inherited suspicion.

[00:50:02]What does it mean to be sovereign? If you're still fragmented in spirit.

[00:50:08]The promise of independence was never just political freedom. It was the possibility of the emergence of a new society, one in which our cultural would not be a source of division but a source of strength.

[00:50:24]As we fast approach this 60th anniversary of our independence, I would like to invite all Gyes to let this year's observance become a decisive turning point. Let it become a moment when we say that we will build together or we will not build at all. No nation can progress when its people are divided against themselves.

[00:50:54]Let us use culture as a bridge.

[00:50:58]Let us use our multicultural heritage to celebrate and unite. Indeed, it is fitting that this 60th anniversary year, the Guyana Festival invites us to celebrate through the theme of song, soul, and taste. For in these three words, song, soul, and taste, we find the cultural expressions that are evidence of who we are. Song is our voice. It is the calypso.

[00:51:31]The chutney that tells our love stories, the music that carries our struggles, the indigenous chants that echo across our rivers and forests, and the gospel hymns that rise from the lips of our deeply religious populations.

[00:51:48]In our music, we hear in our music, we hear not fragmentation, but fusion. soul is our spirit. It is found in our resilience as a people who have endured hardship and yet continue to hope. It is our festivals, our rituals, our storytelling and our collective memory.

[00:52:12]Our soul is not confined to one group.

[00:52:15]It is shared across all groups woven together and survival.

[00:52:22]Taste is our hospitality. It is pepper pot and roti, cookup rice and chowin, metab and curry, cassava bread and bacon saltfish. Our cuisine tells a story more powerful than any textbook. It tells us that diversity does not weaken us, it enriches us. When we bring song, soul, and taste together, we're simply not hosting a festival. We're telling the world this is what a united multicultural society looks like when it embraces itself fully. And this is what one Guyana is about. The idea of one Guyana must not remain an aspiration. It must become the operating principle of national life or one Guyana means that no child feels excluded because of their name or background. No community feels left behind in development. No citizen feels that opportunity belongs to others but not to them. No group feels that recognition is selective or conditional.

[00:53:35]One Guyana does not erase difference. It transforms difference refusing to accept our diversity as fault line and instead making it into a discipline of our national identity. True one Guyana we say that unity is not sameness. Unity is respect for differences. Unity is respect for diversity. Unity is dignity for all. If history has taught us one thing, it is that we cannot erase our past. We cannot deny our history. But we can leave behind that which has six years.

[00:54:33]The habit of ethnic comparison and hatred. The temptation to define national progress as a zero- sum game where if one side wins, the other side loses. The belief that one group's advancement requires another group decline. These are not the habits of a modern nation. They're they're echoes of an old order we should have already outgrown.

[00:55:02]And let us therefore put these behind us and be brave enough to say that we will honor our independence by relegating these habits to the dust bin of history. And yet even as we resolve to turn away from these remnants of the past, we would recognize that history does not simply disappear by decoration alone. It is precisely at this moment of transition when we seek to close one chapter that we open another. One shaped not only by what we leave behind but by the opportunities now before us. Never before in our history have we had the resources, the global attention and the economic possibilities that we now enjoy. But prosperity alone does not guarantee unity. In fact, prosperity without social cohesion can even division manage.

[00:56:10]That's why six important reminder. It is a reminder that development must be inclusive if it is to be sustainable. And my government is committed to ensuring inclusive and sustainable development. We are committed to ensuring that the benefit of national growth are widely shared, fairly distributed, transparently delivered and collectively celebrated.

[00:56:39]Because when development is inclusive, unity becomes natural. When development is exclusive, division becomes inevitable.

[00:56:49]If politics has been a source of division, then let us use this 60th anniversary to ensure that culture unites us. And this is why the Guyana festival is not decorative. It is essential if culture is to become a bridge of unity. Let this Guyana festival allow us to experience each other not as strangers but as neighbors.

[00:57:18]Not as competitors but as contributors.

[00:57:21]When we eat together, dance together, sing together, and celebrate together.

[00:57:27]We begin to understand we are becoming one Guyana in ways deeper than we can often admit. Culture is therefore not a side attraction of national building or nation building. It is a part of the main story of nation building. Culture is is a central pillar of nation building because it gives a society it shared identity, values and sense of belonging. While institutions and infrastructure shape the physical and political structure of a country, culture shapes the emotional and psychological bonds that hold people together through music, food, language, traditions, and storytelling. Culture allows citizens to recognize themselves in one another, even across differences.

[00:58:24]Today we were reminded of that in a deep and profound way. All day my phone was going off with text messages. Social media was a buzz. All of Guyana was united. United around why is Moti going to a different team. That tells us how culture and sport can bring us together. And whilst we know this was a open bid and he was what we will say he fell to his own success because of the success he now celebrate.

[00:59:02]He was bought at the opening round of the bid and you can't get all of the gies at the opening round because everyone have a choice. But that is a striking example of how sports, the investment in sports brought all of Guyana together today, shouting in one voice for a passion they share jointly.

[00:59:27]This evening, I want to make a special appeal to our young people. I want to say to them that you're not responsible for the division of the past. I want to repeat that. I want to make a special appeal to our young people. I want to say to them, you are not responsible for the divisions of the past, but you hold a responsibility for the unity of the future. Do not inherit old prejudice.

[01:00:02]Do not serve your Do not serve your generation.

[01:00:08]Do not use these prejudices to serve your generation. Do not repeat old arguments that do not build new futures. Do not allow the past to define the limits of your imagination.

[01:00:25]instead become the generation that finally makes one Guyana real at home, in our schools, workplaces, communities, and in the relations we build with persons of other ethnicities.

[01:00:41]I place my trust in you, young Guyana, our young people. You are the generation that can turn diversity into destiny.

[01:00:52]Let us therefore use this moment not only to celebrate how far we have come but to commit ourselves to how far we still must go. Let us celebrate our independence by celebrating each other.

[01:01:07]Let us celebrate our diversity as a treasure to be embraced. Let us commit ourselves to a Guyana where song is shared, where the soul is united and where taste is a reflection of our collective readiness.

[01:01:24]Let us celebrate this 60 years by going back to owning the dream of 1950.

[01:01:35]By going back to fulfilling the dream of 1950.

[01:01:40]The dream of 1950 was a united political order. As your president, I look forward to coming back to the dream of 1950 and realizing the dream of 1950 when our political order will be united. When we will stand on one single footing, when we will share one single pillar of development and progress.

[01:02:08]The dream of 1950 is erasing not I'm not asking you to clear your memory but erasing the pain and penciling back the future.

[01:02:27]And above all, let us build a nation where one Guyana is not a dream deferred, but a work in progress. With those sentiments, it gives me the greatest pleasure to formally declare open the Guyana Festival 2026. I thank you and God bless all of you. Love, unity, faith, hope. Let that be the words that take us forward. Nothing is impossible with love and unity. Let love be the guiding principle. And oh Guyana, do not lose your faith. Do not use your faith. Do not you lose your faith in what created us, what give us this place that we call home. Faith, hope and love are essential pillars of family, community and nationhood. Thank you and God bless all of you.

[01:03:31]Thank you your excellency Dr. Muhammadan Ali. Raise those arrow golden arrowheads as high as you can.

[01:03:42]Beautiful. and all that our president shared, we are preparing to witness [music] it on stage in just a moment as we get ready for a grand cultural display featuring over 100 of our young creative gy >> and of course Michella just a stones throw away from the national stadium here at Providence beautifully illuminated is the Barajio Dear river bridge in the colors of our beautiful golden arrow head. So, I know those online might have seen the spectacle, but as you walk around the venue, just take a look over your shoulder and you'll see the colors [music] wonderfully illuminating the bridge here on this opening ceremony of the Guyana Festival.

[01:04:34]>> Absolutely. And so we're giving allowing the president a moment to wish the cultural participants the [music] very best because they are getting ready to take to the stage. I'm sure they listened attentively to his call that it is going to be the young people, [music] the change makers, the next generation of visionary leaders. And so young people, Guyana is in your hands. And so we thank his excellency the president.

[01:05:01]And now ladies and gentlemen, we all of you here at the national stadium and those of you tuned in virtually, we are preparing to witness [music] and to showcase the sounds, the colors, the movements, the stories of our [music] nation. All that the president said is about to come alive now with the crowning of a nation. featuring a cast of over 100 young people. We will see our national identity creatively displayed through [music] dance, music, and poetry. The beauty of our land, water, forest, animals, flowers, all being highlighted this evening. Our festivals, [music] our traditional marriages, neighborly living. Welcome to the crowning of a nation, our grand [music] cultural extravaganza at the opening of the Guyana Festival 2026. Let's give a warm welcome to our performers.

[01:06:21]>> [music] >> arrow head.

[01:06:27]I love that golden arrow head.

[01:06:34]I don't think you heard me.

[01:06:37]>> I [music] said arrow hair.

[01:06:43]I love my [music] children.

[01:06:51][music] Where are you? Where are you? If you're present, represent. If you're present, [music] represent representent. Sing from Guyana. Mash it up.

[01:07:05]>> To Canada.

[01:07:06]>> From [music] mash it up >> to Miami. Mash it up. From mash it up to Brixton [music] it up.

[01:07:14]>> From Legond.

[01:07:19][music] I love my golden arrow head. Your face in your heart.

[01:07:27][music] I love my golden arrow head.

[01:07:33]From the land of [music] many a different cultures. African, Indian, American, [music] Chinese, Portuguese.

[01:07:47]Coming together [music] in harmony. One people, one mission, one destiny.

[01:07:50]Arrowhead.

[01:07:52][music] I love my golden arrow head. You feel it in your heart.

[01:07:58]Arrowhead. [music] I love my golden arrow.

[01:08:06]>> [cheering] >> Good night.

[01:08:13]Welcome to the Gayana Festival. If you're proud to be a Gay and we here, you make some noise. Listen everybody, it's Guyana. [music] We all live as one.

[01:08:25]Mixing up the culture of Guyana. Listen everybody, it's Guyana. [music] We all live as one. Fixing holy culture so bright of Guyana. We all live in unity. Together we will rain. Together we will shine. We all live in [music] unity. Together we will rise. Together we will shine. Mixing all [music] the cult.

[01:08:52]I want to see you wave your flags in the air. Put them up higher.

[01:09:02][music] down to see all beauty.

[01:09:12]Let me tell them to see [music] all her beauty. One people, one nation, one destiny. I am a you never stop me.

[01:09:24]Anyway, I rep my country.

[01:09:31]We want everybody to celebrate now. We all in the crowd. Mixing all the culture so bright of Guyana. Missing everybody is Guyana we. We all of us one. Mixing [music] all the culture so bright of Guyana. We all live in unity. Together we will rise. Together we will shine.

[01:09:54][music] We all live in unity. Together we will rise. Together we will shine.

[01:09:59]Mixing [music] shadow bright.

[01:10:17]This [music] is the land with so many water.

[01:10:24]This [music] is the land with so many water. Six races of people in [music] the country. We don't give a fighting.

[01:10:33]We just live in one. Come on everybody.

[01:10:36][music] It's time to party.

[01:10:42]Bring out everybody to cate. We all in the crowd. Mixing all [music] the culture. So right.

[01:10:51]Listen everybody. It's Guyana. We [music] all live as one. fixing all the culture to price of Guyana. We all live in unity. Together we will rise. Together we will shine. We all live in unity.

[01:11:07]Together we will rise. Together we will shine. [music] Mixing all the culture.

[01:11:12]So bright. Oh Guana. Listen everybody.

[01:11:15]It's Guyana. We all live as one. Mixing all the [music] culture. So right. Oh Guana. Mixing all the culture. So brightana mixing only so bright.

[01:11:30]Thank you. We are one.

[01:11:34]Make some noise.

[01:11:44]Oh beautiful. [singing and music] Oh my lovely [music and singing] native land.

[01:11:54]more dear to me [music] than all the world. I see washed suniss [music] or [singing] down the borders looking out on the deep the great [music] of your [music] or battling in the crimson sunsets glow.

[01:12:34][music and singing] I love thee for I love [singing] thee.

[01:16:49]>> [music] >> Heat. Heat.

[01:16:56][music] [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Hey, Heat.

[01:17:35]Heat. Heat.

[01:17:38][music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat.

[01:18:05][music] I try to production. So here we are [singing] under the stars dreaming of this elder [singing] I don't go and truth be told there's a fire in [singing] my soul.

[01:18:56][music] One that burns so bright it cannot be [singing and music] controlled. Welcome to this place that I call home.

[01:19:09]>> Eldorado, [music and singing] >> where the sun kisses your soul.

[01:19:17]>> El, [singing] a place of natural beauty.

[01:19:24]From seed to shining. [music] See them been told. [singing] This is ador where legend spoke [singing] of a hidden place where fortune lies [music and singing] and explorers chase.

[01:19:49]But what we found [music and singing] though this might be true.

[01:19:57]The greatest treasure in El Dorado [singing and music] is me and you. Welcome to this place that I call home. [singing] El kisses your soul. [singing and music] El natural [singing] beauty.

[01:20:22]From sea to shining sea. The myths been told, [music and singing] but this is how the go.

[01:20:33]>> The pride and [music] the principles so dear we each do hold as molded great character.

[01:20:44]This word is made in gold.

[01:20:48]>> So let's strike till God is [singing] hidden [music] treasure. the world is yet to see.

[01:21:00]Welcome to this place that I call home.

[01:21:06]Eldorado, where the sun kisses your soul.

[01:21:13]El, [singing] >> a place of natural beauty.

[01:21:21]From seeds to shining sea, the myths been told, [music and singing] but this is El.

[01:21:30]The myth's been told. [singing] This is El.

[01:21:38][singing] The been told this is [singing] Foreign [music] speech. Foreign speech. Foreign speech.

[01:22:33]>> [music] [music] [music] >> Foreign [music] [music] speech. Foreign speech. Foreign speech.

[01:23:07][music] [singing] foreign [music] [music] [music] camera.

[01:23:38]Fore!

[01:23:49]Foreign! Foreign!

[01:23:51][music] >> [music] [music] >> All in the eyes of the Lord above.

[01:24:44][music] Protect my Guyana [singing] and keep her strong. So much [music] has changed from what I used to see. In my heart, she [singing] flies like she's meant to be. A country [music] of beauty and natural bliss filled with memories [singing] I sh thankfulness [music] your preciousness gyana [singing and music] gana I clearly remember the rustling of sugar [music] cane [singing] leaves as a cool breeze pass by.

[01:25:37]Reminding us of [singing] the freedom [music] we all share.

[01:25:44]As one people, one nation, [music] one destiny.

[01:25:51]One people, one nation, one destiny.

[01:26:00][singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> I'll let you be the Oh, I holy holy head. [music] >> [music] >> Holy.

[01:26:42]Holy.

[01:26:46][music] >> [music] >> Holy [music] holy Hoo!

[01:27:23]Up! Up! Got it!

[01:27:26]Up! Up!

[01:27:32][music] >> [music] >> I would be like [music] [music] dance.

[01:28:08]>> [music] >> Hey, [music] [music] hey, hey.

[01:28:25][music] Heat. Heat.

[01:28:30][music] [music] Heat. Heat.

[01:28:52][music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat.

[01:29:17][music] Heat. Heat.

[01:29:23][music] >> [music] [music] >> Oh my go [music] [music and singing] My [music] name [music and singing] might [music] everybody.

[01:30:29]Oh my Oh, [music and singing] we are [music and singing] we are [music] we are [music and singing] Heid.

[01:31:01]It all [singing and music] it last [singing] night. I [music] dreamt of >> [music] [music] >> Last [music and singing] night I dreamt of catch.

[01:32:06]Yes, I [singing] have been there.

[01:32:08][music] Once was not too long a young blood so filled with [singing] excitement.

[01:32:16]It all [music] seems like yesterday.

[01:32:20]Salty air and sea wall breeze. [singing] All the rivers wild and free. Oh, this is where I ought to be. And of many waters. And when the toss [music] I played, the sun would set so high [singing] and ru my ears and sting my eyes. SW.

[01:32:49]I fell [music] in love with Guyana.

[01:32:54]Warm wind from the Atlantic, the ocean breeze.

[01:32:59]From rivers to slanders.

[01:33:04]I'm praying not to fall so fast that didn't last. Salty air se [music and singing] this is where I long to be. I have many waters and when the steel man play the sun would set so high [music] through my ears and sting my eyes.

[01:33:24][singing] Yeah. Yeah.

[01:33:42]We mar in [music] the streets when defer we dance in hand so full of pride with your flag so [music] Feel the warm country breeze as the best.

[01:34:13]Last night I dreamt [music] of catch.

[01:34:15][singing] It all seems like yesterday. No far away. Salty air and sea wall breeze. All the rivers wild and free. Oh, this is where I long to be. Land of many waters.

[01:34:31][singing] And when the drums they play, [music] the sun would set so [singing] high and through my ears and sting my eyes. And I smell >> [music] >> Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey.

[01:35:24][music] >> [music] >> Heat.

[01:35:52]Hey, Heat.

[01:35:56]Oh, happy [music] [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Hey, Heat.

[01:36:46]Heat. Heat. N.

[01:36:53][music] [music] >> [music] [music] >> Happy [music] [music] birthday.

[01:37:59]Heat.

[01:38:05]Heat.

[01:38:07][music] [music] push.

[01:38:45]on your [singing] [singing and music] shore.

[01:39:06][singing and music] [singing and music] Give me your gloop. [singing and music] [singing] [music] [singing] [music] [singing] >> [music and singing] >> going [singing and music] to tell Good night. Good night. Good night. Come tell you good night. Good night. Good night. Come tell you. Good night. Good night. Good night.

[01:40:27]Good night. Come to my qu. Come to my qu. Come to my extra sh. Come to my qu. Come to my qu.

[01:40:41]Come to my that For one gold ring for two gold ring for one donkey for one for one house [cheering] one by big lunat.

[01:43:25]>> [screaming] >> Last one. Last one. Give me last one and let go. Last one. Last one. Give me last one and let go. Last one. Last one. Give me last one and then we go. Last one.

[01:43:42]Last one. Give me last one and then we go.

[01:43:47]I said give me last one and let go.

[01:43:52]Give me last one and there we go.

[01:43:56]Give me [singing] a ladies. I'm going to see them ladies.

[01:44:12]They go for [music] them ladies going [music] to see them ladies night.

[01:44:37][music] They don't really care what anybody say.

[01:44:43]They don't really care what anybody [music] say.

[01:44:47]Night is ladies get away. Night is ladies get away.

[01:45:09]>> [music] >> us when they start.

[01:45:18][music] [music] [music] >> [music] >> If you see her swing ladies [music] if you see her swing all the ladies join [music] [music] you see all the [music] ladies join if you see and When you go Indian wedding, all you [music] see is woman whining. When you see the watching, all you see is blueing.

[01:46:21]Somebody say big wedding. [music] Watch me look so good and she's sorry. I cannot take me eyes off. She make girl look so good and she's sorry. [music] I cannot take me [singing] eyes off she off your hand if you want to get married. I want to get married.

[01:46:43]>> Show up your [music] hand if you want to get married.

[01:46:45]>> Marry me. I want to get married.

[01:46:55][music] Down [music] [music and singing] one night.

[01:47:31]Ging [singing] [music] [music] you [music] changes my [music and singing] heart [music] to go.

[01:48:25]Fore!

[01:48:36]Foreign! Foreign!

[01:48:45]Fore! Foreign! Foreign!

[01:48:49][music] [music] [music] Yeah.

[01:49:11]See you.

[01:49:13][music] [music] >> [music] [singing] >> Don't [music] you see [music] [music] you my pray? [music] >> [music] >> to the tray.

[01:50:05][cheering] Heat.

[01:50:20]>> [music] [music] >> human.

[01:50:39][music] [music] He comes to On a beat on a beat [music] [music] on a beat on a >> [music] [music] [music] [music] >> forecto.

[01:51:32][music] [music and singing] [music] Veto [singing] on a beat. [music] Vegetto.

[01:52:04][music] [music] >> [singing] >> Does it use >> and it goes [music] right.

[01:52:38][singing] [music] All I need is try and sunshine.

[01:52:43]Pour me a cup. I'm fine. This morning light is calling. Going to take my time.

[01:52:50][music] Girl, you better hurry. Hurry.

[01:52:53]You never get it this way.

[01:52:56]Girl, you better worry, worry. Got to meditate. [music] Would you like me if I traded the world for my psyche? If I won, baby, what would the price be? Nah.

[01:53:07]>> [music] >> All I need is giant sunshine. D.

[01:53:17][singing and music] And it goes like [singing] [music] already lost, already found. Freeing [music and singing] and flying on the ground. I hear a silence in the sound.

[01:53:38]All three [music] is all around. I'm believing [singing] receiving with every breath that [music] I'm breathing. Not competing this season. I got to meditate.

[01:53:50][music and singing] Would you like me if you could dress me up just how you like me? If I change all the songs that I'm [singing] writing [music] all I need is giant sunshine.

[01:54:02][music] D.

[01:54:09][singing] [music] And it goes right. D.

[01:54:17][music and singing] And it goes right.

[01:54:29][music] And it goes right.

[01:54:34]>> [music] >> There is an art to living next to someone. It does not mean there is never trouble.

[01:54:55]>> There is an art to living next to someone. It does not mean there is never trouble. It starts with a call across the fence.

[01:55:07]>> But sometimes that morning sweet too late.

[01:55:10]>> Sometime only remember neighbor when pocket empty neighbor morning.

[01:55:18]>> So we quarrel we tease.

[01:55:21]>> We count the two pound the piece the plantar and the black pepper. And then somebody laughs, somebody answers and choir will turn dance.

[01:55:34]>> Because we have always known something >> that the world is still learning. You cannot build a nation in isolation. You build it in spaces between people. You know Miss Rrookman sent a part of curry for me when father dead. She didn't knock. She just come up the step pot still warm and clive and he buys them.

[01:55:57]They come and help. We set up a prayer tent. Nobody asks them. They just come with the poles. And you know every e morning here sent over and every Christmas morning we in sheard >> and you know me knows the grandmother.

[01:56:14]She know every child on the street.

[01:56:16]Every single one of them. And they mother >> and day mother.

[01:56:23]>> This is not a story we telling. This is a story we live in.

[01:56:31]>> This is the Guyana photographs.

[01:56:37]But we know we have always known.

[01:56:41]>> Sir.

[01:56:43]>> May we never stop neighboring. May we never stop sharing. May we never stop being the kind of people who start every day with [singing] [cheering] Whoa. I need y'all help with this one, everybody.

[01:57:24]Small [music and singing] days is still on me mind. Let me hear you. But small days is a [music] good good time.

[01:57:34]Many boys little children and when they singing I don't really admire them. Let me hear you. Por chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick chick my mama and then chicken so one and she [music] named like a like a small mind Remember small days is a good good time many [music and singing] little children when they sing in the others really admire them. Everybody all together [music] they said children where have you been?

[01:58:32]What did she give you and where is mine?

[01:58:37]How can get them? And if me fall [music] days is still on my mind.

[01:58:52]Small days is a good good time.

[01:58:56]Yeah, many [music] little children.

[01:59:01]And when they singing and the dancing, I just really realize how old we getting.

[01:59:27]liquid.

[01:59:37]>> [music] >> Hey, [music] hey, hey. [music] [music] Heat. Heat.

[02:00:01][music] [music] [music] >> [music] [music] >> Guyana Festival.

[02:00:43]Good night.

[02:00:45]You're ready to break with From I wake up in the morning, I feel it already.

[02:00:55][singing] [music] There's a sign in the air. When you feel it in your belly, [music] >> look out in my PS and I'm ready to go.

[02:01:09]See down this reality head. [music] Show me up. We maring up every day.

[02:01:32]Getting over behind [music] these. Let me see your blood in here.

[02:01:38]Tell them that we're ready for the ride.

[02:01:42]We're ready [music] for the ride.

[02:01:45]We're ready.

[02:01:48]We're ready.

[02:01:56][music] This is how we >> [music and singing] >> Hallelujah.

[02:02:16][music] [music] This is our jump.

[02:02:31]Show me. We must know that's an idea.

[02:02:35][music] [music] But this is day right now all of them.

[02:03:16]I want to hear you. This is me. We must know. I need tell them that we're ready for the ready.

[02:03:36]We're ready for the road.

[02:03:39]We're [music] ready for the Hey, hey, hey.

[02:04:26]Hey, hey, Heat. Hey, Heat.

[02:05:17]Oh, oh yeah.

[02:05:56]Welcome to [music] my home. Home. My home. My home. My home.

[02:06:00]>> Welcome to my home. Home. My home. My home. [singing] >> Welcome to my home. Home. My home. My home. [music] My home. Welcome to my home.

[02:06:11]>> My home.

[02:06:26][music] >> [music] >> My home, my [singing] home, my home, my home. In the land of the golden sun, where the rivers run and the forest humana [singing and music] right down to the sea in every corner, only paradise [music] you will see. You know about sweetness when you meet everybody become family. You can feel the rhythm [music] of the street. You know about you know about you know why everything unique from the rivers right down to the trees is a beauty that you cannot [music] meet. Let me shoutelcome to my home my home my home my [music] home.

[02:07:19]>> Welcome to my home my home my home my home. [music] >> Welcome to my home my home my home.

[02:07:28]Welcome to my home. My home my home. You know we the [music] greatest country my home. We need life for the party. My home. We cannot stop. We my greatest [music] country my life for the party my cannot stop. We my no matter where I always [music] go back to this place I call my own. Beautiful faces, [singing] different races. We live as one. We dance a [music] little drum. We stand as one. That's why you can't stop. Stop with one. You know about sweetness when you meet. Everybody become you feel the rhythm of the street. You're going to know about You're going to know about where [music] you going to know why.

[02:08:16]Everything unique from the rivers right down to the trees is a beauty that my home my home.

[02:08:26]Welcome [music] to my home. My home.

[02:08:29][singing] Welcome to my [music] home. My home.

[02:08:34]Welcome to my home. My home sweet. You know we need [music] this country. We need life for the party. We cannot stop.

[02:08:45]My home my greatest [music] country my life for the party my cannot stop. [music] My home my you know about sweetness and everybody [music] become family. You can feel the street. You know, you know about everything you [music] need.

[02:09:11]Let me shout [music] out.

[02:09:12]>> Welcome to my home. Home. My home my home. Welcome to my home home. My home my home. Welcome to my home. My home.

[02:09:25]Welcome to my home. My home. [music] You know, we're the greatest country. We cannot stop. [music] >> Let me see those flags. The greatest country we cannot stop.

[02:09:46][music] >> Thank you so much.

[02:10:06]Hey, come back come back.

[02:10:25]Put your hand Put your hands together for the cast. Come on.

[02:10:41][music] [music] Uh-huh.

[02:10:50]Uh-huh.

[02:10:54][music] go.

[02:11:31]Heat.

[02:11:34]Heat. Heat.

[02:12:02]Heat. Heat.

[02:12:18]Heat. Heat.

[02:12:50]Let me see your flags up in the air right now [screaming] as we celebrate our beautiful nation.

[02:12:56]Nation.

[02:12:58][music] Thank you so much. Thank you so much.

[02:13:13]>> [music] [music] >> When we said a showcase, a cultural showcase, we truly meant it. Give your give everyone a round of applause. Let's make some noise. If you're happy to be G, if you're happy to be here for the Guyana Festival, >> we certainly want to thank the cast of over 100 of our talented gy giving to us the crowning of a nation directed creatively by Cadel Lloyd Osbbor and Zara James. Let's give them another round of applause. Everybody, the curtain is about to come down on the opening night. But as you saw a moment ago during the cultural showcase, it was all about our Gionese tradition. So in keeping with the spirit that is uniquely Gion, we are not going to cut the ribbon at this time to declare the festival open. Instead, his excellency will smash open a coconut. And as we know this is done during the Hindu uh prayers or pujas as a symbol of seeking wisdom and blessings and a clear path forward. So it's quite symbolic that we will do this now just at the entrance where our six nations are depicted on either side. It becomes a really beautiful uh piece to welcome you when you come in. to take your photographs and remember this is a packed night. If you thought the opening ceremony was so enjoyable, please remain for the other activities that we are going to have tonight. So now the president, the prime minister, the minister of tourism and other members of cabinet, members of parliament making their way to the entrance arch for the smashing of the coconut. And of course, this will be followed immediately of a tour of the festival village. Uh we did speak about the tents erected across the compound here at the National Stadium.

[02:15:26]The drawing, the first drawing this evening will be happening at 9:00 p.m.

[02:15:31]So for those of you with passports, ensure that you fill those coupons, drop them into the boxes at all the entrances here at the National Stadium for your chance to drive home on Sunday.

[02:15:44]>> Absolutely. along with many other prizes. If you open the passport, we're going to see the tickets from Cariban Airlines, the discounts from the restaurants. We've got tours that persons can certainly win. Remember, prizes every night, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and it's not too late. You can get yourself a festival passport. So this evening we will be drawing for one Uncto Bold Phone and a month's data plan from ENET, a Meichi dinner voucher, one Google TV from Courtz Guyana, and two Caribbean Airlines return tickets. So be sure to fill those coupons and drop them into the boxes across the venue.

[02:16:22]>> Each tent will have demonstrations throughout the day. We encourage our children, our young people, parents, guardians, please bring the children.

[02:16:31]And as we can see on the big screen for those who are still seated, the president is making his way for the smashing of the coconut. So yes, he gave a wonderful speech tonight, but also he's going to be doing something symbolic where he's going to smash the coconut that signifies his own willingness to seek wisdom, blessings, and a clear path as Guyana get gets ready to celebrate 60 years in just about 10 days. And don't forget the program doesn't end here. There are multiple events happening across this venue. So be sure to check out the tents, see the live demonstrations happening.

[02:17:11]>> And so with coconut in hand, firmly held in his cricketing hand, his right hand, the president is going to prepare to smash the coconut and officially declare open the Guyana Festival 2026.

[02:17:26]So all of you at home here at the national stadium across Guyana and the diaspora coconut in hand and his excellency the president of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana has smashed the coconut at the entrance arch and >> he's going for another one.

[02:17:44]>> Double the wisdom, double the blessings.

[02:17:46]There goes Minister of Tourism Suzanne Rodriguez as the coconut smashing has taken place. And of course there's more symbolism uh in this ritual that's done by our Hindu brothers and sisters. So collectively president, the prime minister, our leaders have smashed the symbolic coconut and now the festival Ghana festival has officially been declared open and we invite you now to the other activities for the evening. president will and entourage will now do a quick tour around the Guyana Festival village.

[02:18:28]And so certainly want to thank all of you who came out this.

[02:18:32]>> Right. So the uh official opening of the uh Guyana Festival Guyana um festival for 2026 is officially open rather because president just smashed the coconuts as we saw a little while ago. I think um tonight is indicative of what we spoke about earlier is the fact that we really saw our gyess as as I like to say on showcase. You're talking about our our creativity, gy uh ingenuity, gy arts and craft um really being on display this evening.

[02:19:07]>> Indeed, it has been a special evening uh Lyndon. It has been a really really rich one of course with persons um being able to witness the cultural displays uh across this evening's program. It really was a special one and indeed we would have heard uh from our minister, Minister Susan Rodrigz as well as his excellency of course at this special occasion. But like you mentioned, it is officially open now. And so you are free to come and check out uh the the national stadium right here at Providence for the remainder of this weekend for the Guyana Festival.

[02:19:43]>> Yeah, certainly. And I mean the president and the team getting an opportunity to do that walk through of the the festival village in itself. As you know, we do have these three large tents uh which encompasses um a lot of uh who we are as a people because the six groups will be represented uh in those tents. You have uh groups uh the African group, the East Indian group, the Chinese, the Portuguese, European and the Amarindians and all of them will be demonstrating bits and pieces of their history and obviously a lot of what we know is a synonymous with the with different groups here in Guyana. We talk about food, craft, clothing, whatever it is is going to be found in there. And of course, the the storytelling bit is what I'm excited about that you will hear various aspects of our gy culture and history. Our folklores will be on display. As you know, there are number of things that are very synonymous uh with uh with us being gy in terms of the the way we grew up and the beliefs that we had, our folklores. One which we all know is if your left hand scratches you means that you're getting money. If your right hand's scratching, you're probably spending money.

[02:20:50]>> I don't know. I'm losing my guidance card [laughter] here. Yeah, >> those types of things. So, there are a lot of our folklores, we spoke yesterday about the OIG and what that means because, you know, that is in itself is synonymous with um our culture here in Guyana. So, a lot of those types of stories will be told here as well. And that's that's really really important >> indeed. And that's what we're looking forward to over the next two days is really just an expression of our culture all across uh our various groups that are represented and all of the groups are represented in different ways. Of course, I really am looking forward to the hands-on activities though. I know there's pottery available. I know there's head wrapping, learning how to wrap a sari. If those are things that you're interested in doing, you definitely need to be here this weekend.

[02:21:35]But I think it is so important because it helps us to preserve our culture and that's really what we want to continue to see especially for the younger generation.

[02:21:43]>> Yeah. And I'm I'm happy you mentioned younger generation because President Ali mentioned that in his address earlier this [music] evening that he's talking to the young people that are here the next generation of gy. Yes. We spoke about the difficulties and challenges we've had as a people. But where do we go from here? We we obviously have to acknowledge our [music] past because I don't think and he did mention that he don't want people to erase the memory card right you know you got to acknowledge our [music] past acknowledge the history that we have because that is what shapes our perspective for today and influences the next generation [music] to be able to carry the mantle forward because if you're talking about a guy that is united as the motto says the one people one nation one destiny it really has [music] to start from somewhere and he alluded through uh building out a Guyana of the 1950s [music] and that in itself was very significant because the Guyana of the 1950s as you know is one where we we saw our leaders at the time being united a united front um united in the cause for independence.

[02:22:46]As we know, our leaders work very very hard to ensure that they put the case forward to uh the colonial rule at the time >> for independence and that is essentially what we're talking about that we have this unified front as a country. We're unified when it comes to the border controversy with Venezuela. He talked about uh Moti being sold to Barbados um royals and how Gy messaged his phone and called him and stuff like that. reunited around these things. Sports and all of these [music] things brings us together and you alluded to that earlier.

[02:23:18]>> Yes, indeed. And the thing is, I'm glad that you mentioned that because we talked about this earlier where if we don't if we're not able to reflect on our past and to know where we came from, then how are we able to be able to appreciate where we are and ultimately where we're going. So I do think that it is important uh to have that moment of reflection as we celebrate but it's also important to kind of pass on that type of energy and passion uh to the younger generation [music] because our youths are the future and I really did sense that um that passion from our president and of course uh the the trajectory [music] of where we're going as a nation. It's really a focus on the youth because as our future [music] uh they it really is important for us as youths um to know where we've come from and where we're going.

[02:24:08]>> Certainly. And and you look at you look around the the festival village here at the national stadium and we talk a lot about the preservation the preservation of our culture and our history. We talk a lot about what it means for us to be gy and how that is being replicated here at the national stadium. But you look around the stadium right in the vicinity in the background the the the bario river bridge which is in the in the background and how that in itself points to the future that we're building out here in Ghana because you're talking about 60 years of transformation and that in itself shows the possibilities and what's capable um in terms of the possibilities for us as a nation that stands as that symbol.

[02:24:51]>> Indeed. Yes. Beautifully illuminated tonight. And of course uh guests here were or participants here were treated to a mini light show during the proceedings. But of course that was certainly something uh well at least from our vantage point we could see quite clearly and [music] really you know we're going to continue to see that especially in the next couple of days and weeks uh in celebration of our 60th.

[02:25:16]But it's really it really is like you're saying Lyndon a testament to where we are and where we're going. not just reflecting on our past, but to understand that we have a very bright [music] future ahead and we really just need to get on that trajectory and and think of that as a personal uh and an individual [music] um maybe passion and and and movement.

[02:25:37]Uh but of course, we want you to also pay attention to what's happening. Uh and we can see our our dignitaries [music] uh moving uh moving around, moving through the booths and greeting persons.

[02:25:48]But of course we want you to come out [music] as well and to experience it for yourself.

[02:25:53]>> Yeah. And you know one of the things that you always see [music] at these events is that gy of all walks of life whenever you see the president the prime minister or [music] the ministers there's always uh that thrown of gy that wants a photo or photo you know especially for young people what it means for young people to be able to interact with our leaders you [music] know and creating that space where people are welcomed enough to interact with our leaders for the young people And I think I I really want to zero in on our young people put in that look at that photograph. That young man in that picture will remember this for the rest of his life. Who knows what that will influence him uh to do when he gets older, you know, uh 10, 15 years from now when he's in secondary school contemplating on what to do. Uh you know, whether he wants to get into politics, whether he wants to uh to craft out that type the the new economy that we're building out here in Guyana to capitalize on opportunities in AI, in digital technology, and whatever it is.

[02:26:54]All of those things will will influence those decisions that they make because the environment has been created by our leaders to ensure that they capitalize on on on opportunities like those.

[02:27:04]>> Absolutely. And the thing is it's really about sharing those possibilities.

[02:27:08][music] You know, I love that you zeroed in on that young man because, you know, it's really just very special. Um, and the thing is he's going to be able to look back at those moments and say, "Hey, I was there and I met that person [music] and I was, you know, in that activity."

[02:27:22]and it really just forms those core memories.

[02:27:25]>> So, I see we've got um Minister Steven Jacobs who's just in the background.

[02:27:29]We're going to try to get a word from him in just a few as he's interacting as well and walking around interacting with uh folks here. What we got, Minister Jacob? Minister, how are you doing this evening? Listen.

[02:27:40]I'm excited. You saw [singing] the culture, [music] our culture in full display. You saw a fusion. You saw six people. You saw Guyana and what it really means [singing] to our people.

[02:27:52]I'm sure the people back home, they enjoy that [music] show. But what was important is Excellency's message in relation to, you know, [singing] bringing us together and how we should live as a people united [music] in love.

[02:28:05]And that is what we want to do as a government. So Guyana Festival, I [music and singing] want to encourage people to come now. It's happening from the 15th tonight, tomorrow night, and also Sunday night. Come and experience Guyana at its best. [music] You know, President Ali spoke particularly uh as related to your sector. He he challenged our young people to not only to wipe the memory card as he says. He says young people have the opportunity to build out the kind of future that we've always envisioned [music] for Guyana. Listen, we are [singing] blessed with a beautiful natural resource that will help us to achieve everything we [music] want for this country, but the young people will drive that growth and development. And with a president like his [music] excellency with the vision, we need young [singing] people also to think about the future, think about how they can be a [music] part of this development and this transformation.

[02:29:01]But the only way we can do this is if we come together. And that is what his excellency [music] has been preaching through the one Guyana banner. Coming together as a people understanding where we were and where we're going in and our our growth trajectory [music] is important. Listen, I'm excited after watching that full display and what's in store for [music] Guyana.

[02:29:24]>> Listen, I want to certainly thank you and the team at the Ministry of Culture and Sports because I know you guys have been working tirelessly as well as we really look to celebrate our 60th independent anniversary this year. I want to say we have more. This [music] is just the start. We have the live reenactment at 1823 Monument tomorrow from 10:00 a.m. 1 and 1:00 p.m. We have a drone show on the [singing] 26th of May which will [music] be at Providence.

[02:29:52]We have the we have flag raising at Fort Island. Fort will be transformed. It'll be a spectacle. We're celebrating [music] 60 years of independence and we're doing it in grand style. Thank you so much, Minister. I know we're going to be seeing a lot more of you, of course.

[02:30:08]Thank you very much. As a minister within the Ministry of Cult, Food and Sports there, Steven Jacobs, but we've got uh Minister Juan Edgel as well who is here this evening. Minister, good evening. How are you doing this evening, sir?

[02:30:23]>> Good evening. And how are you doing?

[02:30:24]>> I am good. I am good. I was just telling my colleague as president Ali talked about new Guyana, building out the new Guyana, we have a structure just in the foreground here that represents that new Guyana and just the start of what President Ali is talking responsible for that we spent a building a bridge that connects the east with the west. [music] That same energy, commitment and spirit needs to [music] build a bridge that divides our people and bring us together in oneusion where the communication, the interaction, the love and the harmony must be as visible, spectacular Kill them.