Guyana celebrates Happy Arrival Day on May 5

Guyana: Arrival Day, designated a national holiday on May 5th, is of tremendous significance to Guyana and all of its people.

It’s a day that brings into focus the invaluable contributions of Guyanese ancestors who came to the shores of the land from various parts of the world. It is also a day to commemorate their arrival and monumental achievements.

“Once again, as we observe this occasion, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend greetings to all Guyanese, home and abroad,” said People’s Progressive Party in a media statement.

To commemorate this day, all Guyanese were urged to reflect on the many sacrifices of ancestors made to advance the country and betterment of lives.

“We are urged to recognise that the sacrifices of all our ancestors will be in vain, if those who would divide us are allowed to succeed,” PPP added.

“After their gruelling journeys at various point in our history to arrive here and in spite of the hardships they faced, they were selfless in their efforts to not just build for our betterment, but remained steadfast in ensuring the preservation of the various cultural traditions, which continue to instill values, enrich and shape our lives.”

Those deliberate efforts have led to the creation of this multi-cultural and multi-religious society of Guyana, in where there is immense pride in diversity imbuing all with strength as the country share and participate in the various festivals that have come to identify them as a people.

Over time, those events have served to strengthened bonds of togetherness among people. The sacrifices and achievements of fore-parents will remain a source of inspiration for collective efforts to build a prosperous and unified nation that is home to about 783,000 people.

Over the decades, activities to commemorate Arrival Day were held across the country providing opportunities for Guyanese and visitors to interact and experience our rich and diverse cultural traditions.

At this juncture, those customary vibrant and colourful celebrations associated with this day, have been curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are all reminded to observe the related protocols, to be safe and, for those eligible, to get vaccinated.