Portuguese Arrival Day celebrates the contribution which persons of Portuguese ancestry have made to nation-building. This year, we commemorate the 185th anniversary of the arrival of the first Madeiran-Portuguese indentured immigrants to our motherland.
The Co-operative Republic of Guyana acknowledges the contributions which the Portuguese have made to our motherland. The role of the Portuguese in the nation’s development – particularly in agriculture, commerce, culture, education, law, manufacturing, religion, social organizations, shipping and sport – has not been diminished or devalued with the passage of time.
I issued a ‘public notice’ on the 27th February 2017 proclaiming 3rd May each year as Portuguese Arrival Day. The designation of ‘Arrival Days’ is intended to strengthen national integration and social cohesion by according due respect and recognition to the various ethnic groups which belong to our multicultural society.
The Portuguese, like all other ethnic groups, are integral to the multicultural character of our nation. They have contributed to all aspects of national development.
I extend sincere best wishes to all Guyanese especially those of Portuguese descent on the occasion of Portuguese Arrival Day.
David Granger
President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana
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