Guyana - -The Free! Poem by CHERYL winter

In 1966 Britain set our country free
This land was no longer a colony
The name was changed from British Guiana
To Guyana - land with many sources of water!
After Independence, The Honourable L.F.S. Burnham and others
set up a new Government
And passed new laws for our country in our own Parliament.
They re-organized our Police Force and Army
They established Border patrols and a navy!
Independence was for Guyana's good
Our people began to produce more local food!
Local Educators managed our schools and classes
Education was available free to the masses!
Our talented singers sang about things Guyanese!
Our artists painted our sunsets and beautiful trees!
Our talented writers addressed new cultural themes
Our talented poets inspired new hopes and dreams!
Independence gave us Guyanese the opportunity
To be responsible for our own destiny!
To set aside racial segregation and enmity
And to live in peace, harmony and prosperity!