15 Facts About Guyana’s Independence

1. This year, Guyana celebrated its 49th Independence anniversary this year.
2. Guyana gained its independence on May 26 th 1966 after it was ruled by Great Britain
for 152 years.
3. British Guiana became a Crown colony in 1928 (this means that Guyana was a
country ruled by a Queen or King).
4. Guyana’s Independence Day is a significant National Holiday in Guyana which is
celebrated on May 26th every year.
5. This year at the Inaugaration Ceremony of the new President H.E David Arthur
Granger, took place at the National Stadium.
6. Guyana is the only English speaking country in the continent, South America
because due to being ruled by Great Britain, thus we speak the language, English.
7. After independence our country’s name changed from British Guiana to Guyana.
8. Our National Anthem was written by Reverend A.L Luker and the music was
composed by Mr. R.C.G Potter in 1967.
9. All our National symbols came into use after we gained independence in 1966.
10. The Coat-Of-Arms was selected on the recommendation of the National History and
Art Council and approved by the College of Arms, England. The House of Assembly
accepted it on Friday 25th February 1966.
11. Mr. Whitney Smith, Director of the Flag Centre in Florida designed the Golden
Arrowhead and was submitted to President Jagan, the Premier of British Guiana in
1960, six years before Guyana gained its independence from Great Britain.
12. Guyanese no longer sang the British National Anthem, ”God Save the Queen” but
proudly sang Guyana’s own National Anthem, “Dear Land of Guyana”.
13. The British Guiana Volunteer Force became the Guyana Defence Force. At the last
parade of the Volunteer Force held at Eve Leary on Independence Day, Sir Richard
Luyt, the Governor General at that time, took the salute.
14. The Union Jack-The British Flag- was lowered and the Golden Arrowhead, Guyana’s
flag was hoisted for the first time.
15. Guyana had its first Prime Minister, Mr. Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham and its
first Guyanese Governor General, Sir David Rose.