THE 30th anniversary of the United Nations designated “International Day of Peace” was observed on September 21, and a week of observances kicked off in Guyana with Peace programmes hosted in Berbice, and a major programme sponsored by the Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of Oaths to Affidavits in the capital Georgetown on Sunday. Sunday’s programme, organized by the J.Ps Association of Guyana, and held at the Maha Sabha Cultural Centre on Lamaha Street, had as its theme: “Peace and Democracy, Let your Voice be heard.”
The occasion, at which Prime Minister Samuel Hinds was present, brought together several organizations, with a united voice and for a united purpose – the relentless pursuit of peace among all men, across Guyana and beyond.
The programme got off to a spirited start, with the release of scores of colourful helium -filled balloons, outside the centre.
Among the organisations represented were The United Nations Association of Guyana (UNAG); The Brahma Kumaris; The Maha Sabha; The Guyana Council of Churches; The Guyana Federation of World Peace (through the Unification Church of Guyana) and the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA).  Also visiting was Reverend Goring of the Universal Federation of Georgia, USA.
The programme which ideally exemplified ‘Peace, Love and Unity in Diversity’, was ushered in with the symbolic lighting of candles, representing Peace, Patience, Hope, Love, and Appreciation, by youths of the Brahma Kumaris. It also incorporated an entertaining blend of instrumental renditions, songs and dances performed by artistes from groups represented at the forum. Amongst these was the heart warming and inspirational Peace Song by Rocky Persaud, “The World is One”
Chairman of ACDA, Eric Phillips, who endorsed the theme: “Peace and Democracy: Let your voice be heard,” noted that it was very important to the people of Guyana, since, with national elections in Guyana being imminent, it offers an opportunity for Guyanese to create an atmosphere for a journey of peace ahead.
Ag. President, Mr. Samuel Hinds joined other speakers in congratulating the Justice of Peace and Commissioners of Oaths to Affidavits Association, for taking this initiative to host the very important and meaningful ceremony. The Prime Minister spoke extensively on the merits of peace and challenges along the way.
Noting the pain, grief and destruction associated with wars, and that conflict runs counter to the wishes and intent of the Government of Guyana, Mr. Hinds stated, “We want peace, as a Government.  We want Guyana to be peaceful. We want harmony in Guyana; We want a reduction of strife, because under these conditions, we can have the greatest growth and development and the greatest discipline in the life of our people”.
Mr. Hinds said that, even though his fellow politicians and other parties were not present at the forum, he would rather suspect that they would be saying the same things.
He expressed the view that, in Guyana, the fundamental problem is that Guyanese have underestimated how challenging it is to ‘become one’.  “In my view, our problem in Guyana, is that we have grossly under-estimated the challenge to become one ….  It is ten times more difficult for people to come together than we can imagine,” he said.
Recognizing the intensity of the task of coming together as one people, the Prime Minister called on all assembled to do something positive to respond to the challenges with which we are confronted.
Meanwhile, in recognition of their exemplary contribution to peace keeping within Guyana, five persons were honoured with the Universal Peace Federation Awards. Heading the list of awardees was Prime Minister Samuel Hinds. The other awardees were  Justice Donald Trotman of the United Nations Association of Guyana; Mr. Eric Phillips of ACDA; Sister Vasantha of the Brahma Kumaris and Rev. Ronald Mc Garrell, Secretary General of the Universal Peace Federation, Guyana Chapter.
A second award was presented to the Prime Minister, this time – a ‘Peace Builder Award’ from the Association of Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of Oaths to Affidavits Association of Guyana.