[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 67 (Friday, May 22, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E943]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    CONGRATULATIONS ON THE 32ND ANNIVERSARY OF GUYANA'S INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 1998

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues here in the 
U.S. House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the New 
Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir, Inc. as they celebrate a very special 
occasion--the 32nd Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of 
Guyana. In honor of this event, a commemorative flag-raising ceremony 
will take place on Tuesday, May 26, 1998 in the Council Chambers at 
Jersey City Hall.
  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 from 
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 60'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 5th, 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 consist 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.

                          ____________________