The People’s National Congress Reform extends warm and hearty greetings to the Guyanese people, and more especially, to our Hindu Community, on the celebration of this festive occasion of Deepavali. Of the various Hindu festivals, Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, enlivens all, young and old, men and women, rich and poor, in towns and communities throughout Guyana.

It is especially a unifying and integrating force. Diffusing goodwill, joy and cheer, it brings all people together. Familistic bonds are renewed and strengthened. Verily, it is a day of family, social and national reunion.

The religious significance of this festival is particularly illuminating. The Goddess Maha Lakshmi, the Goddess of Light, is worshipped for wealth and spiritual enlightenment. But, alas, the light in our beloved country is only flickering.

Literally and metaphorically, the light and spirit of this Nation are fast disappearing. With increased power outages, the Guyanese Nation sees the light disappearing around them. They sense a gathering storm is at hand, as the human spirit of this Nation becomes sullen and depressed.

* Domestic abuse and fear are at a new high.
* Barbarous murders like Neesa Gopaul’s and Sheema Mangar, who was brutally killed for her cell phone, indicates that the beast is alive in Guyana.
* Our suicide rate has reached a record level.
* Murders and narco-trafficking punctuate the national scene.
* Indiscipline, in schools, homes and on the road abounds.
* Partisanship, racial and political discrimination, and authoritarianism, define our national life.

The light has gone out of this land! Our Party invokes the blessings of Mother Lakshmi to end this darkness so that our dear land can once again experience peace, prosperity, good governance, equity, security, a culture of civility, and good order, in this torn and embattled land.

The PNCR, once again, extends greetings and good wishes for a Happy Deepavali to all Guyanese, and more particularly, our Hindu brothers and sisters!