June 14, 2014 - Washington, D.C. - The Cuffy 250 Committee – USA Chapter is hosting a conference on Saturday June 28, 2014 at the National Wesleyan Church Annex, 6324 Riggs Road, Hyattsville, MD from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM to commemorate the approaching 50th anniversary of Guyana’s Independence. The keynote address will be delivered by the Honorable David Granger, Leader of the Opposition. MP Carl Greenidge will address Economics, Entrepreneurship and Social Development while leading Human Rights Lawyer, Nigel Hughes, will examine Human Rights, Civil Liberties and Civil Rights. Professor David Hinds will present on Politics, Society and Joint Nationhood and give closing remarks.
This “Fifty-Fifty” conference, looking at the past and the next 50 years, is meant to begin a much-needed discussion of Guyana’s Independence experience and prospects for the future. Cuffy 250 undertakes this exercise from the premise that any nation serious about its viability in a rapidly changing world must periodically re-visit its roots, renew its covenant and anticipate new global trends. A nation has a sacred duty to engage in constant self-examination and internal dialogue. We feel that the approaching 50th anniversary of Independence presents an opportune time to begin such a discussion.
The objectives of the conference are a) to begin a discussion on Guyana’s Independence experience over the last half-century examining the advances, challenges and setbacks of the national project; b) to explore lessons learned and consider realistic goals for the next 50 years; and c) to begin a conversation on the role of the New Guyanese Diaspora in the process of nation-building. We feel that the nature of the diaspora has changed over these five decades and its vast resources should be central to any national advance.
Media Contact: Dennis Wiggins - 202/487-7490
Email: Cuffy250@gmail.com