Dear Editor
THE Honorable Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton visited Region 2 on Monday and met with stakeholders in the Regional Boardroom. Though his visit was timely, his delegation was met by a small group of protesters, mainly from the Opposition as they held placards and chanted in front of the main Office as the Minister arrived for the meeting.

In excess of 115 participants were present as Minister Norton spearheaded the Ministry’s outreach exercise at sensitizing the nation of its work, including accomplishments and its short, medium and long term projections.

The Minister’s address was of a conciliatory tone as he magnanimously extolled the gathering to unite in realizing the great potential of the country. He underscored the point that Guyana has suffered immensely and for too long due to division through mainly race and political rivalries. In this regard, he attributed His Excellency President David Granger’s decision to create the Ministry of Social Cohesion as no coincidence but it was a thoughtful and excellent choice towards enhancing and developing nation-building through a united effort. The Minister was very frank in his discourse and challenged the participants to be the wind of change as well as the guardians against racist, divisive and uncultured actions that would seek to undermine the process of Social Cohesion.

A power point presentation was then done by the Ministry’s Technical Officer, Ms. Natasha Singh-Lewis during which she elaborately outlined the vision, mission and core values of the Ministry in the development of its Strategic Plan for 2017-2021. Social Cohesion was defined as a process of nurturing individual and community relationships in building a unified country. Ms. Singh-Lewis further examined the Ministry’s vision as one being of a unified Guyana where diversities are embraced, conflicts resolved, networks and collaboration with stakeholders strengthened, equity promoted and decision-making processes result in equal opportunities and benefits to all Guyanese.

She highlighted the core values of the Ministry as being integrity, thrust, service, transparency and accountability, responsiveness and inclusivity. She also enlightened that the mission of the Ministry is to support actions that strengthen key partnerships across sectors, facilitate bridging gaps within and across communities and contribute to socio, economic, cultural and spiritual well-being and enriched livelihoods for all Guyanese.

The target groups for the meeting included NDCs, RDCs, CDCs, NGOs, CDOs, Government Ministries and Departments, special groups, women, youths and the differently-abled. After the presentation, participants, including school children from several secondary schools, had an opportunity to interact with the Officials including the Honorable Minister. The consensus arriving from the disclosures pointed to the lack of facilities and jobs for youths in the Region. As a result, it was disclosed that a high percentage of them are engaged in illegal activities. Member of Parliament, Mr. Hemraj Rajkumar also rose to appeal for a multi-purpose facility to be built in the Region; a repeat of what he suggested to the former Minister of Sport–the Honorable Nicolette Henry.

Another participant disclosed also that students continue to be abused in schools, including whipping and verbal assault. A special appeal was also made for the Hinterland to be presented with sporting equipment as a means of enhancing their virtually untapped talent. The Minister was very receptive of the many challenges facing the Region but has undertaken to examine them with the hope of providing the necessary resources where possible. He also advised the gathering to form themselves into formal groups so that they can benefit from the Ministry in a meaningful and tangible way.

The meeting was also attended by Regional Officials including the DREO, Prime Minister Representative, Municipal and RDC representatives and Education Officers, among other prominent persons who no doubt would have been quite informed and pleased with the sensitization and awareness session conducted with the presence of the Honorable Minister.

Regards
Elroy Stephney