60th Independence ‘Homecoming’ launched

Guyana has officially launched its 60th Independence anniversary celebrations under a “Homecoming” theme, with a major tourism and cultural showcase aimed at attracting the diaspora and boosting the country’s creative industries.

“This is a moment to reflect on our achievements in nation building, democracy, education, infrastructure, and economic development, and to recognise the value that stands out among the select nations that have reached this rare and distinguished milestone,” Prime Minister Brig. R’td. Mark Phillips said at the launch of celebrations Thursday.

The initiative, branded as Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee, will feature an expanded calendar of events including cultural and heritage displays, religious activities, and flagship national celebrations such as Carnival and the annual flag-raising ceremony.

Officials say the programme is designed to reconnect Guyanese abroad with their homeland while positioning the country as a growing tourism destination. The events are also expected to stimulate local businesses and provide a platform for artists and cultural practitioners to showcase Guyana’s identity on a larger stage.

“At its core, the ‘homecoming’ is an invitation to reconnect, it is a call to our diaspora, to our extended Guyanese families across the world to return, to engage and to be part of this defining moment of our history,” said Susan Rodrigues, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, at the event launch on Friday.

The government has framed the anniversary as more than a celebration, describing it as an opportunity to drive economic activity through tourism and the creative sector, often referred to as the “orange economy”.

The “Homecoming” concept is intended to foster national pride and unity, while encouraging investment and deeper engagement from the diaspora as Guyana marks six decades of independence.

The celebrations are expected to begin in May and run throughout the year, culminating in events highlighting the country’s cultural diversity and development trajectory.