President commends spirit of tolerance among Guyanese
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday expressed satisfaction with the level of tolerance shown these days by Guyanese, thanks to the enlightened leadership of organisations such as the Central Islamic Organisation (CIOG). Speaking at the opening of the Masjid Al-Nur Islamic Center, located in one of the newest housing schemes, Parfaite Harmonie, in Region Three, President Jagdeo said he was pleased that the scheme has gotten such a wonderful building, and that the CIOG is already thinking about how this House of God can be used, not just as a place of worship and for Muslims but a place of service to the residents of the West Bank community. 
The masjid was built by Bobby Ramroop, at a cost of $70M.
Ramroop said he invested in the masjid because it was the desire of his mother to build it in honour of her late parents and as promised, was handed over to the CIOG a few days before the start of Ramadan.
President Jagdeo also lauded the Ramroop family for their dignified nature, tolerance and grace which he emphasized are traits taught by parents to their children. The President added that if many more families exemplify such traits society and the world would be a place much desired.
President Jagdeo also stated that whatever Government can do to work with CIOG to help serve Guyanese, it is prepared to do so.
Referring to the Caribbean Airlines plane crash which occurred early yesterday morning, President Jagdeo noted it was a fortunate day for Guyana, in that even though the aircraft broke in two, there were no fatalities.
PPP Presidential Candidate, and Presidential Advisor, Donald Ramotar said that the existing tolerance in Guyana is a fitting example for others in the world to emulate. He stated that Guyana has equality of religions and a great understanding has been developed.
Ramotar urged that the building be used to its full capacity to benefit all in the community including non Muslims.
CIOG’s Education Director and Religious Adviser, Shaikh Moen- ul-Hack said the masjid can be used for recreational activities to create a diversion from deviant activities by youths in particular.
Also in attendance of the opening of Masjid Al-Nur were Minister of Housing and Water, Irfaan Ali and Minister of Labour, Manzoor Nadir. (GINA)