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December 28, 2025
December 27, 2025
December 27, 2025
Preparations for Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary are gathering momentum as the government engages leading promoters, entertainers, and tourism stakeholders to craft a national events calendar for the 2026 Diamond Jubilee.
The consultation, led by Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues, focused on building a unified, year-long programme to showcase Guyana’s culture and expanding tourism industry.
Addressing the packed session, Rodrigues said the entertainment sector will play a central role in shaping what is expected to be the country’s largest celebration to date. She noted that Guyana is entering a new phase of development.
“We are going to enter a period of aggressive expansion for 2026,” she said, adding that the government is committed to working closely with the sector to prepare for increased visitor arrivals and global exposure.
Rodrigues stressed that predictability and structure underpin the Jubilee planning. “One of the commitments we made was to confirm an annual calendar of events to ensure we give travelers enough notice to organise themselves and decide when they would like to visit us,” she explained.
She added that the full 2026 programme—including national signature events, cultural showcases, and new large-scale experiences—will be announced soon. “You will see a series of events surrounding our 60th Independence… a Diamond Jubilee celebration spread across the entire 12 months.”
As Guyana’s international profile grows, the minister said the entertainment industry must elevate its standards. “We really want to lift the standards and quality of our entertainment sector… every event, large or small, must meet the level of quality expected during a world-class celebration,” she said.
Rodrigues reported that tourism arrivals have already surpassed last year’s numbers. “We have welcomed over 371,000 visitors for this year alone,” she said, noting that the country is on track for a 20 per cent increase over 2024.
She urged promoters to build consistent, long-term brands rather than one-off events. “If you come with a one-off event, there is no intention to grow that brand. You have to grow with that brand, and we are here to support you,” she advised.
Rodrigues encouraged stakeholders to tap into the wide range of opportunities expected in 2026, including festivals, niche events, cultural programming, and regional showcases.
She emphasized that strong coordination between government and industry is essential. “We cannot achieve this on our own. We need strong coordination with promoters so we can enhance our tourism product and improve the overall visitor experience,” she said.
With the Diamond Jubilee approaching, the ministry said the tourism and creative sectors will remain key to shaping a modern, culturally vibrant Guyana.
