Transcript: Mayor Adams Delivers Remarks at Flag-Raising Ceremony for Guyana

May 23, 2025

Mayor Eric Adams: Thank you so much. One thing I've learned is that Guyanese do not hesitate to tell you they're Guyanese. You know, you look at the administration and you see a reflection of the diversity and the beauty of this city. 

And when you bring all of the energies together, it shows how we can produce a great product. This is the only country where you are told not to leave your culture behind. We want you to infuse your culture with the experience here. 

In 59 years of independence, it is an amazing opportunity to lift the flag. Three years ago, for the first time, the Guyanese flag was raised here at Bowling Green. We made it clear under Commissioner Castro over at the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs that the immigrant community is a vital entity to this city and to this entire country. 

And when we raise your flags here, we state that we see you, we acknowledge you, we thank you for what you do. We see you in our hospitals, our small businesses, in our schools, our law enforcement community. We see you all throughout the neighborhoods. 

As the poster behind me reflects how the Guyanese community, there's little Guyana throughout the entire city. So we raise your flag today because you have raised our hope and aspirations in this great city we call New York. Happy Independence Day. 140,000 strong Guyanese in this city. Keep doing the great things you're doing. 

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