STATE HOUSE on Main Street, Georgetown, the official residence of Guyana’s President, was transformed Tuesday night when First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar’s Diwali Light-up took place.

Lighted diyas lined the pathways and the verandah and decorated areas on the lawns, symbolising one of the traditional meanings of the festival, the triumph of light over darkness.
President Donald Ramotar in his welcome to guests on the lawns of State House thanked the First Lady, his wife, for her initiative to plan and organise the event. He observed that the messages of Diwali of the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness are universal messages that can appeal to persons in every religion, in every country of the world.
He pointed out also that light could also mean being educated to dispel ignorance. The President noted that government is currently spending large sums in the education sector so that this could happen in Guyana. He noted that with regard to fighting wars and conflicts around the world, Guyana contributes its part to promote peace.
He acknowledged that poverty also contributes to darkness around the world, and noted that while the administration is doing its part to fight this, the international community deserves thanks and praise for contributing and partnering with Guyana and helping to empower Guyanese to create a better life.
First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar based her message on the female Goddess of the Diwali celebrations, Mother Laskhmi. Her single message was directed towards the men of Guyana. She pointed out that Laskhmi was the bearer of wealth and prosperity and serves to enlighten lives and provide spiritual guidance and protection. She called on the men folk to look at all the wives and mothers around them and let them be the lights of their homes and their lives.
The First Lady stated, “The mothers, our womenfolk, are the people who will spawn our new generation. They are the ones who will have to nurture the young ones and without your love and affection, without your respect, that will not be possible,because if we don’t get love, we cannot give it.”
She urged the men to let the women guide them, acknowledging that there are more good traits than bad in women. Mrs Ramotar reiterated however, that it was the women who will nurture the young generation who will have to take over at some point.
The Diwali celebrations at State House were the first of its kind, and was attended by several members of the Diplomatic Corps and members of Cabinet.