Georgetown: At Guyana’s 59th Independence Day celebrations, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali delivered a fierce and resolute message on national sovereignty and patriotism, declaring that Guyana is “a protector, not an aggressor” in the face of any external threat.
“Let no one mistake our peacefulness for weakness… If our sovereignty is challenged, if our land is threatened, we shall rise as One Nation, One People, One Destiny,” said President Ali, addressing a proud and united nation.
He reaffirmed that Guyana’s prosperity should not be seen as arrogance but as a call to responsibility in the global community, emphasizing the nation’s deep-rooted values of peace, loyalty, and unity.
🇮🇳 Indian Delegation Stands in Solidarity
An all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor attended the celebrations and met with Guyanese Prime Minister Brigadier (Retd.) Mark Anthony Phillips.
“There’s tremendous scope for India-Guyana cooperation. Our Technical Cooperation Programme brings about 100 Guyanese officials to India every year for professional training,” said Tharoor, citing the example of the PM’s wife who trained in Ahmedabad in NGO management.
Tharoor praised the hospitality extended by the Guyanese leadership and revealed that key issues such as terrorism and global security cooperation were discussed over dinner with the PM and several cabinet ministers.
🛡️ Operation Sindoor and Terrorism Dialogue
The Indian delegation’s visit also served as a platform to brief international partners on India’s response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. The delegation elaborated on Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, as a firm military response to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
The operation reportedly eliminated over 100 terrorists affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen in Pakistan and PoJK.
🇮🇳 Diaspora Engagement
The Indian diaspora in Guyana warmly welcomed the delegation, applauding India’s firm stand on terrorism and strengthening cultural and diplomatic bridges between the two nations. Their vocal support against Pakistan-sponsored terror drew attention at the celebratory events.
Delegation Members Included:
- Shambhavi Chaudhary (LJP)
- Sarfaraz Ahmed (JMM)
- G M Harish Balayagi (TDP)
- Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejaswi Surya, Bhubaneswar K Lata (BJP)
- Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena)
- Taranjit Singh Sandhu (Former Indian Ambassador to the US)