Berbice, May 26 -- At the 59th Independence Day celebrations in Guyana, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali emphasised the nation's commitment to protect its sovereignty, asserting that Guyana is a protector, not an aggressor.

At the event, Mohamed Irfaan Ali said, "We are not aggressors. We are protectors, but let no one mistake our peacefulness for weakness. If our sovereignty is challenged, if our land is threatened, we shall rise as One Nation, One People, One destiny. We shall rise not in fear, but in fierce loyalty to the land that gave us birth, and which we love unconditionally."

He added, "We shall defend this nation with every beat in our heart, with every muscle in our body. We will never surrender... Let this prosperity not present...