[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 11, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S6107]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    COMMEMORATING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF GUYANA

 Mr. BRADLEY. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the nation 
of Guyana as it celebrates its 30th year as a sovereign nation, and to 
pay tribute to the citizens of this nation whose dedication to their 
country enabled Guyana to develop from a small colony to an independent 
nation.
  Guyana was a Dutch colony from 1621 until it eventually came under 
the influence of the British who acquired formal possession in 1814. 
While still under British control, Guyana obtained its first 
constitution in 1928, although universal franchise was not recognized 
until much later in 1953. From 1957 until 1966 the People's Progressive 
Party was elected and controlled Guyana under a system of internal self 
rule.
  In 1965, the British Guiana Independence Conference met in London to 
the authorize a new constitution. When ratified on May 26, 1966, the 
new constitution marked the beginning of the independent nation of 
Guyana.
  Throughout its years as both a Dutch and British colony, Guyana 
became home to workers from many different lands. With a population of 
739,553, Guyana is comprised primarily of East Indians and people of 
African descent. Guyana is also home to native South Americans as well 
as citizens of Chinese and European heritage.
  Guyana was one of the founding members of the Caribbean Free Trade 
Area [CARIFTA] which was established in 1968. Guyana has been called 
the bread basket of the Caribbean because it is blessed with many 
natural resources and the potential for a strong economy. Guyana is 
dually blessed with both natural resources and a vibrant and diverse 
people. These attributes ensure that in the years to come this young 
country will grow into a leader in its part of the world.
  Today, I rise to offer my congratulations to Guyana on the 
anniversary of its independence as a sovereign nation. The future of 
Guyana has never looked brighter. New Jersey's multi-cultural heritage 
has benefited from citizens from Guyana. I congratulate its citizens on 
their perseverance and potential, and extend my best wishes for 
continued success as an independent nation.

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