GUYANA’S history as a multi-racial, multicultural society makes the country a leading example to the rest of the world because the people, from different religious backgrounds, to be able to work together and live in harmony.

This was pointed out by Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, yesterday (Friday, February 1, 2019) at the National Cultural Centre (NCC), as he delivered the feature address at the official launch of the United Nations Interfaith Harmony Week 2019 in Guyana.

“Guyana stands tall as mother of religious peace. Guyana is a diverse society, where we can see a mandir, masjid and church neighbouring each other. This is a massive feat for Guyana, but this status should not be taken for granted because there are threats lurking just beyond our borders. This is why all Guyanese must actively participate in the process of achieving social cohesion,” Norton related.

“World Interfaith Harmony Week serves as a reminder that you, the members of the religious community, play a significant role in helping to cultivate a culture of unity.”
The launch was organised by the Inter-Religious Organisation of Guyana (IRO), in collaboration with the government, and celebrated under the theme “Fostering Social Cohesion in Guyana”.

The event was also attended by First Lady, Sandra Granger; Minister of Public 0Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes; Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, and Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, among other public officials.
Also delivering remarks at the ceremony was UN Resident Coordinator, Mikiko Tanaka. Tanaka in her speech stressed the important role that religion plays in achieving world peace.

“Our world continues to be beset by intolerance… the need for spiritual guidance has never been greater. It is imperative that we double our efforts. The role of faith-based organisations can be fundamental. At the core of all the faith systems is the recognition that we are all in this together and love and support each other to live in the world. Whatever our circumstances or place in society, we are all equal in human rights and in dignity,” Tanaka said.

The UN Interfaith Harmony Week is an annual, international event observed during the first week of February. It was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in a resolution adopted on October 20, 2010.

The UN General Assembly noted that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace. Establishing the Interfaith Harmony Week was a way to promote harmony between all people, regardless of their faith.

Friday’s launching ceremony held at the NCC saw reflections on harmony delivered by representatives of the Baha’i, Muslim, Krishna Consciousness and Rastafari communities. The event opened with interfaith prayers by an indigenous group, as well as from the Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Faithist, Rastafari, and Baha’i religions.

The ceremony marked the first of many interfaith activities planned for the coming week across the country. Outside of the week, there is also a significant interfaith event planned for later this year.

“This administration is fully cognisant of the fact that inclusion, respect for diversity and peaceful dialogue are essential for the survival of humanity. That’s why we will be collaborating with groups countrywide to host the first ever social cohesion religious conference later this year,” Minister Norton stated.

An interfaith concert is scheduled to take place at the National Library Conference Room today (Saturday, February 2, 2019), while another interfaith programme is scheduled to be held at the University of Guyana on Monday, February 4, 2019.

Additionally, the IRO is expected to visit a number of schools to take the message of peace and harmony, through interfaith harmony.