[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1003-E1004]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN HONOR OF THE 31ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF 
                                 GUYANA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 1997

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating the New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir, Inc. as they celebrate 
the 31st anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Guyana. In 
honor of this event, a commemorative flag-raising ceremony will take 
place on Thursday, May 27, 1997 at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers 
at Jersey City Hall, 28 Grove Street, Jersey City, NJ.
  The word ``Guyana'' is an indigenous Indian word that means land of 
many waters. This land is believed to have been populated since the 
1200's by the Arawak, Carib and Warrow tribes. Christopher Columbus was 
the first European to have sailed along its coast in 1498. Sir Walter 
Raleigh organized expeditions in the 1500's in search of the mystical 
city of El Dorado believed in be in Guyana.
  In 1621 the Dutch started to colonize Guyana and in 1640 the first 
slaves arrived from Africa. In 1763, about 100 years before the 
American Emancipation, the slaves in Guyana revolted in the ill-fated 
effort known as the Berbice Slave Rebellion.
  In 1781 the British captured the colony but were ousted within the 
year. From 1782 until the return of the British in 1812 the colony was 
administered by French and Dutch administrations.
  In 1835 laborers were brought in from Portugal and 1838 marked the 
beginning of indentured servitude with the arrival of laborers from 
India. The Chinese came in 1853.
  In 1953 elections were held for the first time under the system of 
universal adult suffrage. The People's Progressive [PPP] won this 
election but was removed, after 133 days in office, by the British.
  The PPP was reelected in 1957 and again in 1961. During these two 
terms under the system of internal self rule, the colony of the then 
British Guiana experienced significant social and economic growth in 
spite of political disturbances, especially in the early 1960's.
  In 1964, an unpopular government was brought to power through 
external influences. It remained in power until 1992 through constant 
rigging of national elections.
  In 1966, Guyana became an independent Nation and in 1970 it obtained 
republican status.
  On October 5, 1992 the first free and fair elections were held since 
1964. This election, supervised by a team of international observers 
led by former U.S. President Carter brought the PPP-civic government 
under the Presidency of Dr. Cheddi Jagan to office.
  Over 50 percent of Guyana's population consists of East Indians, 
whose ancestors came to Guyana from India. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I 
would also like to applaud the New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir, Inc. for 
their support of Hindu culture and serving the educational, cultural, 
and religious needs of the Hindu immigrant population that lives in New 
Jersey.

[[Page E1004]]



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