[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 66 (Thursday, May 21, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E936]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN HONOR OF THE 32ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF GUYANA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 1998

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the New Jersey Arya 
Samaj Mandir, Inc. for their efforts to commemorate the 32nd 
anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Guyana. On Tuesday, 
May 26, they will be hosting their third annual commemorative flag-
raising for the independence of Guyana in the Council Chambers at City 
Hall in Jersey City. New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir, Inc. was 
incorporated in 1988 and aims to preserve and promote Arya/Hindu 
culture in New Jersey.
  The history of Guyana parallels that of the United States in several 
ways. Similar to the U.S., Christopher Columbus was the first European 
to see the Guyana coast in 1498. Guyana is also a land of immigrants 
with citizens tracing their roots to India, Portugal, China, and 
Africa. Guyana is the only country on the mainland of South America 
with English as its official language.
  Guyana also shares with the United States the experience of gaining 
independence from the colonial interests of Europe. The Dutch, the 
French, and the British have each occupied Guyana at various times 
between 1621 and 1966. In 1992, Guyana successfully instituted free and 
fair elections.
  In closing, I would like to thank the New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir, 
Inc. for their flag-raising ceremony and congratulate the Republic of 
Guyana for its 32nd year of independence