Honoring a Shared Milestone: Guyana and Barbados Mark 60 Years of Independence
By Dr. Odessa Lacsina, Executive Director, The State of Women Institute
Last month, I had the privilege of attending a special celebration marking a milestone that is both historical and personal: the 60th anniversary of independence for Guyana and Barbados, two Caribbean nations that both achieved independence in 1966, and whose enduring friendship was reflected throughout the evening.
The event, observed May 2, carried particular weight for me. As someone of both Guyanese and Barbadian heritage, I have always understood these two nations as more than geography. They are part of my story, my family's story, and the larger story of a region that has contributed so much to the world while asking for so little in return. Watching them celebrate this milestone together — with genuine warmth, shared pride, and a clear eye toward the future — filled me with a sense of gratitude I am still carrying.
The Prime Minister of Barbados traveled to Guyana for the occasion, a gesture that spoke clearly to the depth of the relationship between the two nations. Among the announcements made during the visit was a new travel arrangement designed to make it easier for citizens of Guyana and Barbados to move between the two countries — a practical expression of regional cooperation that will deepen connections between families, businesses, and communities across both nations.
L to R: Dr. Odessa Lacsina and Ishara Lacsina celebrate at the Guyana embassy; Dr. Lacsina with Sam Hinds, Guyana’s ambassador to the United States; Ishara Lacsina joins the festivities at the Embassy of Guyana.
I attended events at both embassies during the celebration. At the Embassy of Barbados, my daughter Ishara interviewed His Excellency Ambassador Victor Fernandes and met his wife, Ferida — a conversation she approached with thoughtful preparation and genuine curiosity. She also volunteered at the embassy, welcoming guests as they arrived. Watching her engage so meaningfully with the occasion was a source of great pride. At the Embassy of Guyana, I was joined by my mother, Celeste, and had the opportunity to meet with His Excellency Ambassador Sam Hinds. To share this milestone with three generations of my family present — my mother, myself, and my daughter — made the experience especially meaningful and remains one of my most cherished memories of the celebration.
That evening, the celebrations continued with the Caribbean Film Festival, hosted jointly by the Embassies of Guyana and Barbados. The festival brought together filmmakers, artists, and storytellers whose work reflects the richness and diversity of our region — and served as a vivid reminder that Caribbean culture has always been one of our greatest forms of diplomacy, connection, and joy.
From the commemorations of independence to the celebration of Caribbean cinema, what I kept returning to was something simple: our greatest strength has always been our people. Their resilience. Their creativity. Their commitment to building stronger, healthier communities for the generations that follow.
It’s a value The State of Women Institute holds at its core — and one that was alive in every room I walked into that evening.
As Guyana and Barbados mark 60 years of independence, I am reminded that milestones like these are not only opportunities to honor the past, but also to celebrate the relationships, values, and shared aspirations that continue to shape our future. I left that evening feeling inspired by the strength of our Caribbean community and hopeful for what lies ahead. To everyone who helped make these celebrations possible, and to the generations whose sacrifices and vision brought us to this moment, I offer my deepest appreciation. May the friendship between Guyana and Barbados continue to flourish, and may both nations enjoy many more years of progress, partnership, and pride.
L to R: Ishara Lacsina and Executive Director Dr. Odessa Lacsina in the Embassy of Barbados; Dr. Lacsina shares a moment with her mother Celeste while celebrating at the Guyana embassy; Ishara volunteers at the Guyana embassy, greeting visitors.