ANY country where problems of ethnicity and race are a part of its socio-political landscape will continuously be saddled with challenges of how to surmount such a beast. Herein, it is so described, because of its dangerous ability to threaten the peace, thereby unleashing its animalistic instincts that will wreak havoc in all its destructive forms.

And since as Guyanese we have experienced such periods of threatening tension at different times of our modern political history, then it can be appreciated that as a people and nation, it is incumbent on all to continue to evolve strategies that will mitigate the possibilities of such extremes being given latitude in our country.

It must not be allowed.
Since 2015, the term social cohesion has become an important part of our national conversation on race. It is about an initiative, in many forms, having conversations among ourselves, wherever we are, in a bid to have a better understanding of ourselves as a people, and removing the fears and suspicion despite our diversities; but about nurturing the common attributes as Guyanese that unite us, rather than those that divide. Where it is hoped during our various dialogues and encounters, we will all appreciate what it is to be Guyanese, and why we are all here as a people and nation.

The coalition government, through its designated Ministry of Social Cohesion, has been spearheading this important national initiative, seen as vital to the future peace and prosperity of this nation. Although there has been several appeals to the political opposition party, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic(PPP/C), to join in this important patriotic endeavour of seeking to unify our people, these have either been rebuffed, or refused outright, on grounds that are clearly of a kind that had led to the perpetuation of racial dominance, marginalisation, division, and racial fears, that have been our sad experience for so long.

Any Guyanese familiar with our political tapestry, would know that such anti-national ideologies have not been to the boon or benefit of this nation, except to those who have used this distorted form of governance for their own selfish advancement.

In 2017, and as recent as this month, the first and second Harmony Village festivals were held in the beautiful downtown environment of the Main Street Avenue. These have been beautiful manifestations of our cultural diversities, fused in one space that solicited ready appreciation from all who visited, and spend time to enjoy the national beauty woven from the different strands of cultural expression, and how much these get-togethers lend to a recognition that coexistence in a peaceful society is indeed present, but needs to be continuously built upon by such national engagements.

It was wonderful to watch the subject minister along with the different representations of cultural drummers, fused for a pulsating beat, as they did a walk-through. Surely, that was an example of Guyanese talent combining for the rhythmic enjoyment of all those present. If such can be achieved, it can be replicated in the broader national tapestry of the quest for national unity.

Let us understand this fact about the problems of ethnicity: that it requires sustained efforts to defeat its threat of disunity. This can only occur by leadership, beginning with the government of the day, and all other political leaders, partnering with all responsible socio-cultural organisations, inclusive of all religious bodies. Since the latter bodies have from time immemorial greatly influenced communities and their citizens, then their role must be seen as critical in the furtherance of the efforts of social cohesion. This is therefore a national effort, where all must participate.

It must also be reminded that social cohesion is about a process that aims to bring about oneness among our people; therefore, we are its central focus. And since the concept on its own is just an abstract, it means that we will have to be its engine, giving it a defined meaning and ultimately, life.

We should then use the momentum to continue the journey towards the ultimate goal and destination of national unity. For this is what we must bequeath to our succeeding generation.

It was suggested that next year’s Harmony Village be taken to another region. We believe that this is a very good suggestion, as this will be seen as taking the message of unity through diversity to the other parts of our country.